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Optimize Images

Re-compress images inside PDF

What is Optimize Images?

Image-heavy PDFs can balloon in file size when embedded images have higher resolution than needed for the intended use. PDFStream's image optimizer resamples embedded images to reduce file size without converting the document. The tool targets over-resolution images — a photo scanned at 600 DPI that will only ever be viewed on screen doesn't need to stay at 600 DPI. Reducing it to 150 DPI for screen or 300 DPI for print cuts file size dramatically with no visible difference at normal viewing distances. Use cases: optimizing a scanned archive for storage, reducing a photo-heavy catalog before emailing, compressing a presentation PDF for faster web loading, or preparing a large document for a platform with file size limits.

How-to

  1. 1

    Upload file

    Select the PDF.

  2. 2

    Quality settings

    Choose the image re-compression quality (Low, Medium, High).

  3. 3

    Optimize & Download

    Download the optimized PDF.

Practical tips

Pages become images

This tool rebuilds each page as a JPEG image, so text will no longer be selectable or searchable.

Use for scan-heavy files

It suits scanned documents where text is already part of the image and file size is the main problem.

Keep text searchable with Compress

If selectable text matters, use Compress PDF instead, which keeps the text layer.

View All PDF Tools →

Frequently Asked Questions

How is this different from standard compression?▼

Unlike standard compression, this tool rasterizes each page into a JPEG image and rebuilds the PDF from those images — it doesn't re-encode individual embedded images in place.

Does text quality degrade?▼

Yes. Every page, including any text, is converted into a flattened image, so text is no longer selectable or searchable afterward. Avoid this tool for text-based documents — use Compress PDF instead.

Is the image optimization tool free?▼

Yes, it is completely free to use without registration or installation.

Are files stored on your server?▼

No. All processing occurs locally in your browser to ensure complete privacy.

Is the output quality maintained?▼

Visually similar at normal zoom, but each page becomes a single image — text is no longer selectable or searchable, and fine detail may soften at higher compression levels. Best suited for scanned or image-heavy PDFs.

Last Updated: August 6, 2026

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