Which tool should I use to reduce file size?
"Reduce file size" means something different depending on what kind of file you're working with — each type has its own dedicated tool built for its specific compression needs.
Quick reference
- PDF documents → Compress PDF
- Photos and images → Image Compress
- Video files → Video Compressor
- Audio and voice recordings → Audio Compressor
If you have several file types together
Process each type with its own tool separately — a video inside a document, for instance, needs the video compressed on its own before being placed back into the document, since a PDF compressor doesn't re-encode embedded video.
Not sure what type your file actually is
Check the file extension (the letters after the dot in the filename) — .pdf, .jpg/.png, .mp4/.mov, .mp3/.wav are the most common indicators.
When a file contains mixed content
A Word document with embedded images, for instance, is usually best addressed by first compressing the images before inserting them, since the document format itself does not offer the same fine compression control as dedicated image tools.
Setting a realistic size target
Know the actual limit you are trying to meet before compressing — form upload limits, email attachment caps, or a platform's stated maximum — so you can choose an appropriately strong compression level in one pass rather than guessing and re-trying repeatedly.
When file size reduction alone is not the answer
If a file is large because it genuinely contains a lot of necessary content — many pages, high original resolution required for print — compression can only go so far without compromising what the file needs to do; in that case, reducing the actual content (fewer pages, lower necessary resolution) may be the more honest fix.
