Hit your target size. Keep your clarity.
SecureCompress turns massive scanned PDFs into upload-ready files. You choose the target size. We do the math, locally and privately.
Product Screenshot
Why it feels different
Exact target size
No vague "low/medium/high". You set the number.
Privacy by design
Everything runs on your Mac. Files never leave.
Readable output
Prioritize clarity over blurry downsizing.
How it works
1. Drop PDF
Drag your file into the app.
2. Set target
Pick 10MB, 25MB, or any size.
3. Done
Get a ready-to-upload PDF.
By the Numbers
What is PDF Compression?
PDF compression reduces file size while preserving document quality. SecureCompress uses intelligent algorithms to analyze each page, optimize images, and rebuild your PDF to hit an exact target size — all without uploading your files.
What is target-size compression?
Unlike traditional compressors that offer vague quality levels, target-size compression lets you specify exactly how big you want your output file. Need 25MB for a job portal? Set 25MB and get 25MB.
What is local PDF processing?
Local processing means your PDF never leaves your computer. No uploads, no cloud servers, no privacy risks. Everything happens on your Mac.
What is lossless vs lossy compression?
SecureCompress uses smart lossy compression optimized for scanned documents. It reduces file size significantly while keeping text readable and images clear.
How to Compress PDF Files
Learn the best ways to reduce PDF file size for different scenarios.
How to compress PDF to 25MB
Open SecureCompress, drop your PDF, set target to 25MB, and click Start. The app automatically adjusts quality to hit your target.
How to compress PDF for email
Most email services limit attachments to 10-25MB. Set your target size below the limit and SecureCompress handles the rest.
How to compress scanned PDF
Scanned PDFs are image-heavy and compress well. Use grayscale mode at 200 DPI for best results on text documents.
How to compress PDF without losing quality
Set a realistic target (not too aggressive), use color mode for photos, and review output at 200% zoom to verify clarity.
How to compress PDF on Mac
Download SecureCompress for macOS, drag your PDF into the app, set your target size, and get a compressed file in seconds.
How to compress multiple PDFs
Pro users can use batch processing to compress multiple files at once. Select files or a folder and process them with the same settings.
Features
Everything you need to compress PDFs efficiently
Target-size compression
Set an exact file size (10MB, 25MB, 50MB) and get output within 5% of your target.
Local processing
Your PDFs never leave your Mac. No uploads, no cloud, no privacy concerns.
Smart quality optimization
Automatically balances compression ratio and visual quality for readable output.
Multiple color modes
Choose color, grayscale, or black & white based on your document type.
Adjustable DPI
Control rendering quality from 150 to 300 DPI. Higher DPI = sharper text.
Multi-pass compression
Up to 3 passes to fine-tune output size for strict upload limits.
Batch processing
Pro feature: compress multiple PDFs at once with consistent settings.
Custom presets
Pro feature: save your favorite settings for quick reuse.
Compression history
Track past compressions and quickly access output files.
Use cases
Job applications
Shrink scanned certificates and transcripts to strict upload limits.
Tax & legal docs
Compress multi-page scans without sending files online.
Academic submissions
Meet size caps for thesis or grant portals.
Common Scenarios
Real-world situations where SecureCompress helps
Job application portals
Many HR systems limit uploads to 10-25MB. Compress your resume, certificates, and transcripts to meet requirements.
Government form submissions
Tax filings, visa applications, and official documents often have strict size limits. Hit them precisely.
University thesis uploads
Academic portals frequently cap submissions at 20-50MB. Compress without sacrificing readability.
Email attachments
Most email services limit attachments to 10-25MB. Shrink large scans to send them reliably.
Cloud storage optimization
Reduce PDF sizes to save storage space on iCloud, Dropbox, or Google Drive.
Client document delivery
Send compressed PDFs that clients can download quickly without re-scanning originals.
Popular Target Sizes
Common file size limits and what they're used for
Email attachments, quick shares
Most email services, small portals
Job portals, government forms
Academic submissions, large documents
SecureCompress vs Other Tools
See how we compare to online compressors and built-in options
vs Online PDF Compressors
Online tools require uploading sensitive documents to unknown servers. SecureCompress processes everything locally — your files never leave your Mac.
vs macOS Preview
Preview's "Reduce File Size" offers no control over output size. SecureCompress lets you set an exact target and optimizes to hit it.
vs Adobe Acrobat
Acrobat is powerful but expensive ($20/month). SecureCompress is $19.99 one-time with no subscription.
| Feature | SecureCompress | Online Tools | Preview | Acrobat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Target-size control | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ~ |
| Local processing | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ |
| No subscription | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
| Batch processing | ✓ | ~ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Custom presets | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
Free vs Pro
Choose the plan that fits your needs
Free
Perfect for occasional use
- Target-size compression
- 100% local processing
- Up to 25MB or 20 pages
- 3 compressions per day
- Batch processing
- Custom presets
Pro
One-time payment • Lifetime access
✨ Limited time: Includes all future updates
- Everything in Free, plus:
- Unlimited file size & pages
- Unlimited compressions
- Batch processing queue
- Custom DPI (100-300)
- Save custom presets
- Extended history (50 items)
- Priority support (24h)
💙 14-day money-back guarantee
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about PDF compression
Is my PDF uploaded to any server?
No. SecureCompress processes everything locally on your Mac. Your files never leave your device, and we have no access to your documents.
Why can't I get exactly 25MB?
PDF compression involves trade-offs between size and quality. SecureCompress gets within 5% of your target. For very strict limits, enable multi-pass mode.
Does compression reduce PDF quality?
Yes, but intelligently. SecureCompress optimizes for readability, keeping text sharp while reducing image quality where it matters less.
Can I compress password-protected PDFs?
You need to unlock the PDF first. SecureCompress cannot process encrypted files for security reasons.
What's the difference between Free and Pro?
Free handles files up to 25MB/20 pages with 3 compressions per day. Pro removes all limits and adds batch processing, custom presets, and extended history.
How do I activate my Pro license?
After purchase, you'll receive a license key by email. Open SecureCompress, go to the License tab, paste your key, and click Activate.
Can I use Pro on multiple Macs?
Yes, each Pro license covers 2 personal devices. Deactivate one device to activate another.
Is there a refund policy?
Yes, we offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. Contact support with your order details to request a refund.
Does it work offline?
Yes. Compression works completely offline. Pro license validation happens periodically, with offline grace between checks.
What macOS versions are supported?
SecureCompress requires macOS 13 (Ventura) or later, and works on both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
Trusted & Secure
Apple Notarized
Verified by Apple for safe distribution
100% Local
Your files never leave your Mac
No Tracking
Zero analytics or telemetry in the app
Open Methodology
Transparent compression process
From Our Blog
Tips and guides for PDF compression
How to Compress PDF to 25MB
Step-by-step guide to compress large scanned PDFs to meet strict upload limits.
Read more →Best PDF Compressor for Mac
Compare top PDF compression tools for macOS and find the right one for your needs.
Read more →Offline PDF Compression Tools
Why local-first PDF compression matters for privacy and security.
Read more →Download & upgrade anytime
Free plan supports smaller files. Pro unlocks unlimited size and pages.