Optimize PDF for Web Online — Free & Secure
Make a PDF lighter and friendlier for websites and email: recompress images, pack the internal structure, drop embedded thumbnails and set the file to open fitted to the window.
- 1 Upload
- 2 Choose Settings
- 3 Download
Step 1 of 3: Upload your PDF
Drop your PDF file here
or choose a file from your device
PDF only • Up to 50 MB
Drag & drop • Click to browse • No signup required
Your file is processed securely and is automatically removed after processing. Your original is never changed.
- 1 Upload your PDF
- 2 Choose web options
- 3 Confirm and optimize
- 4 Download the web version
Reading your PDF…
- Sent over an encrypted HTTPS connection
- Deleted automatically, normally within 60 minutes
- No registration needed · Privacy Policy
Optimize PDF for Web
Choose how to lighten the file for online use, then download it.
- 1 Upload
- 2 Choose Settings
- 3 Download
Step 2 of 3: Choose your web options
- Tip: for a PDF that mostly has photos, Smaller gives the biggest saving.
- Tip: tick Remove document properties if the file will be public.
Optimizing your PDF for the web…
0%
Uploading your file…
PDF Preview
Here’s a look at your finished PDF.
Page 1 of 1
Result Summary
Save to Cloud (Optional)
Keep your file safe and accessible from anywhere.
Pick a folder in your own account, or share the file straight from here.
Useful Tips
- Check the first page in your browser — it should open fitted to the window width.
- If the file is still large, run Optimize PDF Images with a lower quality.
- Upload the result to your site and test it on a phone.
✨ Did you know? You can also compress, crop, merge and more — all in one place!
Explore All ToolsWhat would you like to do next?
Lighten a PDF for websites and email.
Getting started
- Upload your PDF.
- Pick the image setting and extras.
- Confirm and download the web version.
Key concepts
- Images
- Pictures are re-encoded as JPEG at the quality you pick. They are only replaced when clearly smaller.
- Packed structure
- The PDF’s internal objects are packed into compressed streams, which usually saves some space.
- Not linearized
- Linearized (“fast web view”) files are not produced. This tool reduces size and sets a friendly opening view.
- Your original
- It is never changed.
Tips & shortcuts
- Keep the original for printing; use the web copy online.
- Remove properties when a file is going on a public site.
- Enter confirms · Esc closes a dialog · ? opens this panel.
Did you know? Switching to another tool in the sidebar carries your file over automatically — no need to re-upload.
Still stuck? Read the questions below or contact support and we'll help.
What Is Optimize PDF for Web?
Optimize PDF for Web makes a PDF lighter for websites, email and mobile. It recompresses the pictures, packs the file’s internal structure into compressed streams, removes embedded thumbnails and can set the document to open at page 1 fitted to the window width.
To be clear about what it does not do: it does not create a linearized “fast web view” PDF. Your readers will still get the whole file before it displays, but it will be smaller and quicker to download. If the optimized file is not smaller than your original, you get your original back.
When to Use It
- Put a brochure, menu or report on a website without a heavy download
- Email a PDF that is slightly over an attachment limit
- Prepare a handout for people reading on phones
- Strip metadata and thumbnails from a public document
- Give a long PDF a tidy opening view
Step-by-Step Guide
Upload your PDF.
Choose the image setting and the extras.
Confirm and optimize.
Download the web version and test it.
Tips
- Keep the original for print and use the web copy online
- Balanced is a good default; use Smaller only if you must
- Test the file on a phone before publishing
- Want only images reduced? Use Optimize PDF Images
- Want a one-click shrink? Use Compress PDF
Troubleshooting
Problem: The file did not get smaller
Solution: It was probably already well optimized, so your original is returned. Try the Smaller image setting or Optimize PDF Images.
Problem: It still loads slowly
Solution: This tool does not linearize PDFs. Reduce the size further, or host the file on a fast connection.
Problem: Pictures look softer
Solution: Choose Balanced or Leave images alone.
Problem: My file will not upload
Solution: Confirm it is a real PDF under 50 MB. Unlock password-protected files first with Unlock PDF.
Optimize PDF for Web FAQ
Does this make a linearized or “fast web view” PDF?
No. It reduces the file size and sets a friendly opening view, but it does not linearize the file.
Will it change how my PDF looks?
Only the pictures can change, and only by the quality you choose. Text and layout stay the same.
What does the opening view do?
It sets the PDF to open at page 1 fitted to the window width, which looks tidy in most browsers.
Why was my original returned?
If the optimized version was not smaller, your original is kept rather than a bigger file.
Can I remove the author and title?
Yes. Tick Remove document properties to clear the title, author and XMP metadata.
Are my files kept?
No. Your uploads and the result are deleted automatically a short time after processing.
Privacy & Security
Your files are handled securely
Uploads are transferred over an encrypted connection and processed in an isolated job folder. Your original files are never modified — the result is always a new, separate file. Files are deleted automatically a short time after processing. For very sensitive documents, read our Privacy Policy.
Ready to Try It?
It is free and takes just a few seconds.
Upload Your File