ProperPDF compresses PDFs on the phone itself: pick the file, lower the image resolution, check the estimated size and save a smaller copy. Nothing is uploaded, so it works offline. Compression is a Pro feature on iPhone, iPad and Android. It shrinks scanned and photo-heavy PDFs the most. A PDF that is mostly text may barely change, because text is already compact.
| iPhone and iPad | Pro |
|---|---|
| Android | Pro |
| Works offline | Yes |
| Files uploaded | No, processing happens on the device |
| Account needed | No |
| Requires | iOS 17 or later on iPhone and iPad; Android 8.0 or later |
How to compress a PDF in ProperPDF
- Open ProperPDF and tap Compress PDF.
- Select the PDF.
- Move the image resolution slider. Lower means a smaller file and softer images. The app shows the current size and an estimate of the new one.
- Save. ProperPDF writes a new, smaller copy and keeps the original.
- Open the copy and zoom in on small text and signatures before you send it.
Why compress on the device
Online compressors have to receive your file before they can shrink it. That is fine for a flyer, less fine for a payslip, a medical letter or a signed contract. ProperPDF does the same job without the upload.
Getting a smaller file
Scans and photo-heavy PDFs shrink the most; a 20-page text export from Word has very little to give. If the file is still too big, split off or delete the pages the recipient doesn't need, which cuts size without touching quality.
On iPhone, compression currently turns each page into an image. Text in the copy can no longer be selected or searched, and form fields, links and annotations are removed, so keep the original if you need those. On Android, only the images inside the PDF are shrunk.
Questions
Is PDF compression free in ProperPDF?
No. Compress PDF is part of Pro on both iPhone and Android.
How much smaller will my PDF get?
It depends on the file. Scans and photo-heavy PDFs often shrink a lot; text-only PDFs may hardly change. The app shows an estimated size before you save.
Will compression make my PDF blurry?
Lower resolutions soften images and scanned text. Save, zoom in on the smallest text, and pick a higher setting if it's hard to read.
Will I still be able to select text after compressing?
On Android, yes. On iPhone, compression currently turns pages into images, so text can't be selected and form fields and links are removed. ProperPDF keeps your original file.