Does the result always end up below 5 MB?

The compressor makes several attempts, but no browser tool can guarantee that every PDF will reach 5 MB. The result clearly reports whether the target was reached.

Is 5 MB equal to 5,000,000 or 5,242,880 bytes?

5MB.me uses 5 MiB, or 5,242,880 bytes, for its preset. If a portal uses decimal megabytes, enter 4.7 MB as a safer custom target.

What if my PDF is already below 5 MB?

You do not need to compress it for a 5 MB limit. If you still want a smaller copy, the settings page will suggest a target relative to the original size.

5 MB PDF compressor

Compress PDF to 5 MB Online for Free

Compress a PDF to 5 MB (or less) online for free in your browser. Set a precise target, review quality tradeoffs, and keep your document private with no upload.

5 MB target preselected
No document upload
Clear target result
Original stays untouched

Drop your file here

or click to browse - PDF, JPG, PNG, WebP up to 100MB

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How to get a PDF under a 5 MB limit

Select the PDF above. When the original is larger than 5 MB, the settings page starts with the 5 MB target already selected. Balanced mode is the best first attempt because it preserves more detail.

If the first result remains above the limit, retry with Strong mode. Use Maximum only when the destination limit is strict and you can accept rasterized pages or reduced sharpness.

Leave room for upload-system differences

Some websites label 5,000,000 bytes as 5 MB. Others accept 5,242,880 bytes. This page uses the binary value. For a strict or unclear portal, set a custom target around 4.7 MB to provide a margin.

After downloading, open the result and inspect signatures, small text, form fields, and scanned pages. A file that meets the limit is useful only if its important content remains readable.

Frequently asked questions

Does the result always end up below 5 MB?: The compressor makes several attempts, but no browser tool can guarantee that every PDF will reach 5 MB. The result clearly reports whether the target was reached.
Is 5 MB equal to 5,000,000 or 5,242,880 bytes?: 5MB.me uses 5 MiB, or 5,242,880 bytes, for its preset. If a portal uses decimal megabytes, enter 4.7 MB as a safer custom target.
What if my PDF is already below 5 MB?: You do not need to compress it for a 5 MB limit. If you still want a smaller copy, the settings page will suggest a target relative to the original size.