# Compress a PDF on Mac without uploading | Whizra

> To compress a PDF on a Mac, double-tap the right Option key and type “compress it”. A new file "name (compressed).pdf" next to the original. The…

Source: https://whizra.com/compress-pdf-mac

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# Compress a PDF on Mac

To compress a PDF on a Mac, double-tap the right Option key and type “compress it”. A new file "name (compressed).pdf" next to the original. The result card shows before → after size. If it isn't at least 5% smaller, it says so and keeps nothing.

[Get Whizra for Mac ](https://stats.whizra.com/buy) Pay once  · 7-day refunds · macOS 15+, Apple silicon

On a real Mac**“compress it”**Screen recording coming

**Recorded on the app** (“compress it” on Sample.pdf): 3.1 MB → 361 KB, Sample (compressed).pdf · done in 0.3 s.

## How to do it
1. Select the files in Finder, pick them with @ in the bar, or name them in plain words ("my last pdf").
2. Double-tap the right Option key to open the bar.
3. Type “compress it”.
4. Press Return. The new file appears next to the original.

### Type
- compress it
- compress my last pdf under 2 mb
- compress it for email
- compress these photos and pdfs

### What you get

A new file "name (compressed).pdf" next to the original. The result card shows before → after size. If it isn't at least 5% smaller, it says so and keeps nothing.

The original is never changed or overwritten. Undo trashes what the job made.

Say how strong: strong, good or light. “For email” or “under 2 MB” picks strong. Choose the same one twice and Whizra remembers it.

### The free Mac way

Preview → File → Export → Quartz Filter "Reduce File Size": free, but often blurry and sometimes bigger.

### Limits
- Scanned pages shrink less than photo-heavy brochures.
- Text stays selectable.

## Questions

**Is my file uploaded?**

No. Whizra does the job on your Mac, and your files never leave it. The only thing the app sends is your license key check.

**Does it change the original?**

No. The original is never changed or overwritten, and Undo takes the job back.

**What can't it do?**

Scanned pages shrink less than photo-heavy brochures. Text stays selectable.

**Is there a free way on a Mac?**

Preview → File → Export → Quartz Filter "Reduce File Size": free, but often blurry and sometimes bigger.

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