Guide
The safest workflow makes one controlled change at a time and checks the actual download, instead of repeatedly compressing an unknown result.
Write down the maximum file size, accepted format, and any page or resolution rules shown by the destination. Use the numeric target in PDF Limit. If the site says 1 MB, aiming around 950 KB leaves a practical buffer for systems that round file sizes differently.
Compression can be lossy. Work from a copy and keep the source PDF somewhere safe, especially when it contains signatures, official records, forms, or irreplaceable scans. Recompressing a compressed download usually compounds blur without finding much new data to remove.
Use Keep text first for exported documents and resumes. The first pass rewrites the PDF without intentionally flattening every page into an image. If it passes, inspect the download and prefer it over a smaller rasterized copy because more document behavior may remain intact.
Balanced or Strong smaller can help image-heavy files reach a strict boundary. Smaller targets require fewer pixels or lower image quality, so expect fine print, stamps, and photographs to soften. A 5 MB target normally permits more detail than 500 KB for the same document.
When PDF Limit returns the smallest readable result it found but marks it over target, that is useful evidence. The selected target may be unrealistic for the page count and detail. Remove unnecessary pages, rescan in grayscale, or export from the source application before lowering quality further.
Open the downloaded file, confirm page count and order, zoom into the smallest important text, and check any barcode, signature, photograph, or stamp. Then inspect its file size in your operating system and upload that exact download rather than an older copy with a similar name.