PDF Compression Benchmark: 100 KB vs 200 KB vs 500 KB

Empirical benchmark analyzing multi-page PDF compression across 100 KB, 200 KB, and 500 KB targets for digital documents and scanned pages.

Quick Answer / Executive Summary

In our empirical PDF benchmark comparing a 12-page text contract (original: 3.4 MB) against a 4-page scanned color document (original: 18.2 MB), the text contract easily compressed to 94 KB while retaining 100% searchable vector typography. For the scanned document, hitting 500 KB preserved full 150 DPI readability, 200 KB required 120 DPI downsampling with legible text, and 100 KB was best achieved by converting color scans to grayscale.

PDF file structures treat vector text and raster imagery completely differently. Below are the verified measurements and technical observations from our benchmark test suite.

Recommended Modifyle Utility

Modifyle PDF Compressor

Compress multi-page documents under 100 KB, 200 KB, or 500 KB in your browser.

Test PDF Compression Benchmark

Empirical PDF Benchmark Measurements

Follow these verified steps using Modifyle's client-side tools.

Text Document (12 Pages, Original: 3.4 MB)

Target 200 KB: Output 184 KB (-94.6%). Target 100 KB: Output 94 KB (-97.2%). Result: All font glyphs remain native vectors with crystal-clear print sharpness.

Scanned Document (4 Pages Color 300 DPI, Original: 18.2 MB)

Target 500 KB: Output 472 KB (-97.4%, 150 DPI). Target 200 KB: Output 192 KB (-98.9%, 120 DPI). Target 100 KB: Best achieved via Grayscale conversion (Output 96 KB).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does compressing a PDF to 100 KB delete text or fonts?

No. Modifyle applies font subsetting (retaining only the glyphs actually typed in the document) rather than deleting font programs, preserving layout structure and searchability.

Can I reproduce this test on my own PDF?

Yes. Upload your document to Modifyle's PDF Compressor (/tools/pdf/compress) and select Target Size mode to verify the output byte size on screen.