Some application forms, onboarding portals and HR systems stop at 1 MB per file. That is tight for a scan or a photo of a certificate, and fine for a resume exported from a document. The limit below is already set to 1 MB.
Compress a PDF to under 1 MB
Shrink a resume, scan or certificate to under 1 MB for an application form or HR portal. The text is kept if the file fits; if not, you get the sharpest version under the limit.
Opening the PDF…
Common limits: Under 2 MB · Under 1 MB · Under 500 KB · Under 200 KB
More free PDF tools: Candidate submittal pack · Merge PDFs · Remove pages · Resume redactor
Runs in your browser. Your PDF is not uploaded, stored or sent anywhere.
What gets a PDF under 1 MB?
| Your file | What usually works |
|---|---|
| Resume made in Word or Google Docs | Usually under 1 MB already; the text stays selectable |
| Scanned resume, one or two pages | Pages rebuilt as clear images, usually under 1 MB |
| Packet of ten or more scanned pages | May need fewer pages; remove the ones the form does not ask for |
How do I check my PDF’s size?
On Windows, right-click the file and choose Properties. On a Mac, select it and press Command and I. The tool also shows the size before and after, so you know it fits before you upload.
Frequently asked questions
Is my document uploaded anywhere?
No. The file is shrunk inside your browser and never leaves your device.
Can I go smaller than 1 MB?
Yes. Pick 500 KB, 300 KB, 200 KB, 100 KB or type any size under Other size in the tool above.
Need a different size? Compress a PDF to 2 MB, 500 KB or 200 KB, or use the main compress a PDF tool.
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