How to Compress a PDF on iPhone for Email
Shrink a PDF that is too large to attach while keeping the text readable.
2 min read · Updated July 30, 2026
Open the PDF in Preview, tap the action menu beside its name, choose Export, select PDF, and lower the file-size slider. Save the copy and check it before attaching.
Create a smaller copy
Compression usually affects image quality more than text. Keep the original and export a separate email-sized version.
- Open the file in Preview.
- Tap the action menu and Export.
- Choose PDF.
- Adjust the file-size slider and save.
Check the result
Open the smaller file and zoom in on fine print, signatures, and scanned pages. If it looks soft, export again with a slightly larger size.
Common questions
Why is my PDF still large?
Scanned color pages and high-resolution photos usually dominate the size.
Should I send a ZIP instead?
A ZIP can help transport files, but the recipient must open it. A smaller PDF is often simpler.