# Compress PDF: Arthize vs Smallpdf

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

To compress a PDF, Arthize offers a free, private compress pdf with no watermark — a focused alternative to Smallpdf. 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 Smallpdf

Smallpdf is a popular freemium web-based PDF toolkit. Smallpdf offers a clean set of web tools on a freemium model with usage limits 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.

- Files are processed inside your private Arthize workspace and deleted after the job — never sold or used to train models.
- The free plan never adds a watermark to your output.
- Transparent pricing: free forever, Pro from $6/mo or $48/yr, and a one-time $149 lifetime option.
- A one-time lifetime option instead of only monthly billing.

## 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 Smallpdf 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. Smallpdf is a well-designed option, especially for occasional one-off conversions.

### 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.