# Compress PDF: Arthize vs CamScanner

_Updated July 2026 · Arthize · https://arthize.com/vs/camscanner/compress-pdf_

To compress a PDF, Arthize offers a free, private compress pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to CamScanner. Compressing a PDF reduces file size — often 50–90% on image-heavy scans — by down-sampling images and stripping redundant data, while keeping text selectable.

## Arthize's compress pdf vs CamScanner

CamScanner is a mobile-first document scanning app. CamScanner focuses on phone scanning with a freemium model and ads on the free tier.

**Arthize's approach:** Compressing a PDF reduces file size — often 50–90% on image-heavy scans — by down-sampling images and stripping redundant data, while keeping text selectable.

- The free plan never adds a watermark to your output.
- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- 50+ tools live in one workspace, so you don't jump between single-purpose pages.
- A full desktop-grade tool set beyond scanning.

## How to compress a PDF with Arthize

PDF file size almost always comes from embedded images, not text.

Down-sampling scans to a lower DPI usually gets an image-heavy file under 1MB.

Light compression is visually lossless for most documents.

## How to compress a PDF with Arthize

1. **Open the compress tool** — Sign in and open the Compress tool.
2. **Add your PDF** — Upload the oversized file; it is processed privately.
3. **Pick a compression level** — Higher compression down-samples images more; light compression keeps them crisp.
4. **Download the smaller file** — Most image-heavy PDFs drop well under 1MB with no visible quality loss.

## FAQ

### Is Arthize a good CamScanner alternative to compress a PDF?

Yes. Compressing a PDF reduces file size — often 50–90% on image-heavy scans — by down-sampling images and stripping redundant data, while keeping text selectable. Arthize does it free with no watermark and deletes the file after the job. CamScanner is convenient for quick mobile captures on the go.

### How do I compress a PDF to under 1MB?

Compressing a PDF reduces file size — often 50–90% on image-heavy scans — by down-sampling images and stripping redundant data, while keeping text selectable. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.

### Will compressing a PDF lose quality?

Compressing a PDF reduces file size — often 50–90% on image-heavy scans — by down-sampling images and stripping redundant data, while keeping text selectable. On Arthize it's free with no watermark and processed privately.