Why 2MB is usually easy
Most typed documents — CVs, cover letters, reports — are already well under 2MB. The ones that aren't usually contain large photos or scans, and those shrink a lot with compression while staying perfectly readable.
We tested it: PDFs to 2 MB and 3 MB
Results from our three test PDFs:
| Original | 2 MB target | 3 MB target | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Text handbook, 19 pages | 100 KB | Unchanged (already under) | Unchanged |
| Report with photos, 9 pages | 2.31 MB | 1.31 MB | Unchanged (already under) |
| Scanned contract, 8 pages | 9.49 MB | 1.31 MB | 1.49 MB |
At 2 MB, the 8-page scan kept about 170 KB per page: crisp on screen and fine for printing. When a file already fits, it's returned untouched, keeping selectable text and full quality.
The report had to be re-rendered to fit under 2 MB, so its text is no longer selectable. If a recruiter's system needs searchable text, re-export the original document with smaller pictures instead.
Typical 2MB uploads
- CVs with a photo or design elements.
- Research proposals, theses or portfolios with images.
- A merged application pack — certificates, transcripts and ID in one file.
Keeping text selectable
Recruiters' systems often scan CVs for keywords, so selectable text matters. The tool always tries lossless compression first and only converts pages to images if that's the only way to reach 2MB — and it tells you if it did.
Frequently asked questions
Will compressing to 2MB affect my CV's formatting?
No. Layout, fonts and links are kept when lossless compression is enough, which it usually is at 2MB.
My merged PDF is 8MB — can it reach 2MB?
Usually, if most of the size is scanned pages. Text-heavy files may need splitting instead.
Is it free?
Yes, with no sign-up and no watermark.