Compress PDF to 100KB
Compress a PDF to under 100KB, and what to do when 100KB is too tight for a scan.
100KB is a hard target, especially for scans. MarqPDF gets as close as it can, and this page explains the trade-offs so you know what to expect.
Choose a target size
How to compress a PDF to 100KB
1) Upload your PDF. 2) The 100KB target is pre-selected. 3) Download the smallest legible version, at or under 100KB where possible.
Why 100KB is hard
100KB leaves very little room. A text-only PDF fits easily; a scanned or image-heavy PDF may not, because photos and scans carry far more data than plain text.
Resolution and grayscale trade-offs
To reach 100KB on a scan, MarqPDF lowers image resolution and can convert a colour scan to grayscale, which cuts size sharply. Some fine detail is lost, but the text stays readable.
Scanned versus text PDFs
A PDF exported from Word usually drops well under 100KB. A photo or scan carries much more data, so expect to trade some sharpness to get there.
When 100KB cannot stay readable
If a scan will not stay legible at 100KB, aim for 200KB instead, or re-scan the document in grayscale at a lower DPI.
Frequently asked questions
Can every PDF get under 100KB?
Text PDFs, yes. Heavy scans may only reach 150 to 200KB while staying readable. MarqPDF gets as close as it safely can.
How do I keep it readable at 100KB?
Convert colour scans to grayscale and lower the resolution. MarqPDF does this automatically to balance size and legibility.