What fits in 200KB
A one- or two-page typed document usually fits without any visible change. A single scanned page fits comfortably too, with text still readable on screen. Multi-page scans are the hard case — the more pages, the lower the resolution has to go.
We tested it: how far an 8-page scan can go
We pushed the same 9.49 MB, 8-page scanned contract to smaller and smaller targets:
| Target | Result | Per page | Readability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 200 KB | 167 KB | ~21 KB | Readable on screen, visibly fuzzy |
| 150 KB | 140 KB | ~18 KB | Hard work for small print |
| 100 KB | Couldn't reach (smallest: 140 KB) | — | The tool stops before text becomes unreadable |
The tool has a floor: it won't shrink pages below the resolution where text stops being legible, and tells you when a target can't be met. For a scan this long, 200 KB is about the practical minimum.
Our 9-page report with photos reached 169 KB at a 200 KB target. With fewer pages, each page gets more of the budget, so a 1–2 page scan under 200 KB stays clear.
Getting a scan under 200KB
- Upload one document per file where the portal allows it.
- Scan in greyscale rather than colour if colour isn't required.
- Remove blank pages and the back sides of single-sided documents.
- Use Split PDF first if a portal wants separate files.
How the tool decides
It tries a lossless clean-up first, which keeps text selectable. Only if that isn't enough does it re-render pages as images, starting at good resolution and stepping down until the file fits. The result tells you which method was used.
Frequently asked questions
Can a 10-page scanned PDF fit in 200KB?
Usually only at low resolution. Split it or check whether the portal accepts a larger file — readability matters to whoever reviews it.
Will my stamp and signature be visible?
On a single page at 200KB, yes.
Is the PDF uploaded?
No. Compression runs in your browser.