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Compress PDF on iPhone for Free | 4 Easy Methods

  • By Lena
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  • Updated on February 26, 2025
Introduction:
When a PDF file is large, you can compress it to make it easier to share and download. Sending the PDF to a computer for compression? This is troublesome and time-consuming. Can you compress PDF on iPhone? If so, how do you do it? This article will tell you all the information!
summary

Can You Compress PDF on iPhone?

PDF files, especially those with high-resolution images or extensive data, can be quite large. Those files can be problematic to share via email or messaging apps. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the size of the PDF to facilitate uploading, downloading, and sharing.

How to make PDFs smaller for email? Can you reduce the PDF file size on your iPhone? The answer is Yes! You can use the built-in app to help you quickly complete this task. In addition, many third-party apps allow you to choose the compression quality. Click the button below to get one of the most popular ones.

Without much audio, let’s see how to reduce PDF file size on iPhone!

Way 1. How to Compress PDF on iPhone via Files

Apple has introduced the File app to make it easier for users to manage files on the iPhone. This built-in app allows you to manage all your PDF files, draw PDFs, and optimize file size. Read on to learn how to make a PDF smaller on iPhone via the Files app.

1. Open the Files app > Find the PDF file you want to compress.

2. Long-press the PDF > Tap Quick Actions.

3. Choose Optimize File Size, and it will start the compression immediately.

Compress PDF on iPhone via Files

Note: To compress multiple PDFs, tap the three-dots icon in the top right corner > tap Select and choose all the PDF files > tap the three-dots icon in the lower right corner > choose Optimize File Size.

Pros: No need to download any app; Compress multiple PDFs

Cons: Unable to compress files that are too large

When you want to send PDF via text on iPhone, you should go to Files app to add the file to the Messages app. You can go to this guide to learn more:

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Way 2. How to Compress PDF on iPhone via Shortcuts

The Shortcuts app is the way to shrink PDFs on iPhones quickly. However, you will need to spend a little time to add the Optimize File Size of PDF shortcut beforehand. The steps are as follows.

1. Launch Shortcuts app, tap the + icon > Name the shortcut like “Reduce PDF File Size”.

Create New Shortcut

Note: If you can't find the app on your iPhone, download it from the App Store.

2. Add three actions:

  • Tap Add Action button > Find Files > Choose the Select File option. After that, tap the × at the bottom to continue.

Add Action

  • Tap the search box > Search for Optimize File Size of PDF and select this option.
  • Go to the search box again > Search for Files app > Choose Save File option.

3. Tap Done to save this shortcut.

4. On the main screen, tap the shortcut you just created > select the PDF to start the compress > select a folder and tap Open to save the file.

Compress PDF on iPhone via Shortcuts

Pros: No need to download any app

Cons: Takes time to add shortcut commands

Way 3. How to Compress PDF on iPhone via SwifDoo PDF

There are many apps available on the App Store that can compress PDF files. You can download and install one of these apps, such as SwifDoo PDF for iOS. In a few clicks, you will get a smaller size file while maintaining the quality.

You can click the button below to get SwifDoo PDF and see how to reduce PDF file size on iPhone.

1. Open SwifDoo PDF on your iPhone > Tap Files at the bottom > Browse and open the PDF you want to convert.

2. Tap the three-dots icon in the top right corner > Choose Compress.

3. Select the compression level > Tap Compress to shrink PDF file size. When it’s done, you can tap Open File to check the file.

Compress PDF on iPhone via SwifDoo PDF

Indeed, SwifDoo PDF is a comprehensive PDF editor. It's not just for compressing PDFs; it also assists in converting, merging/splitting PDFs, and adding text and annotations. If you frequently work with PDF files on your iPhone, this tool is worth considering.

Pros: Easy to use; 7-day free trail; Three compression levels

Cons: Batch compression is not supported

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Way 4. How to Compress PDF iPhone via iLovePDF

Online tools are a convenient way to compress PDF files without installing additional apps, especially for occasional use. However, uploading PDFs to third-party websites carries the risk of data leakage. You’d better not use this method to compress sensitive or private PDF documents.

There are many online services available for compressing PDFs, such as iLovePDF, Smallpdf, PDF2GO, etc. Here, let me show you how to reduce PDF file size on iPhone with iLovePDF.

1. Open any web browser on your iPhone > Search for “compress PDF online” and choose iLovePDF. Or you can go to https://www.ilovepdf.com/compress_pdf.

2. Tap Select PDF File > Select the PDF file you want to compress > Tap Compress PDF and wait awhile.

3. When the compression is complete, download and save the PDF to your iPhone.

Compress PDF iPhone via iLovePDF

Pros: Straightforward process

Cons: File Size Limitations; Unsuitable for PDFs containing important information

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Final Words

That’s all about how to reduce PDF file size pn iPhone for free. After compression, it's a good idea to open the PDF to ensure it still looks as expected. High compression can sometimes reduce the quality of images and text in the document. To determine the compression level, you can use SwifDoo PDF for iOS. It allows you to compress PDFs in less, medium, and high quality.

Compress PDF on iPhone FAQs

  • Q:Are there any free apps to compress PDFs on iPhone?
    Yes, there are free apps like SwifDoo PDF for iOS, PDF Expert, and Smallpdf available on the App Store that can compress PDFs.
  • Q:Can I compress a PDF without downloading an app on my iPhone?
    Yes, you can use online PDF compression tools through your iPhone's browser without needing to download an app.
  • Q:Does compressing a PDF affect its formatting?
    Compression typically doesn't alter the basic formatting of a PDF, but high levels of compression might affect the visual quality of images and fonts.

Lena has been in the editing industry for 8 years. She is familiar with a variety of products that can make things easier, such as PDF tools, video recording software, iOS location changer, etc. She enjoys sharing her knowledge with users to help them solve problems in their work and life. In her spare time, she likes to play with her cat.

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