How to Compress PDF on Linux? (Steps with Pictures)

The important choice is whether the file must stay on the Linux device. Ghostscript processes the PDF locally and gives you direct control over compression quality. Smallpdf avoids terminal commands but uploads the document for processing.

Part 1. Which Linux PDF Compression Method Should You Use?

Use Ghostscript when privacy or local control matters. Use Smallpdf only after deciding that uploading the document is appropriate.

Part 2. Compress PDF on Linux with Command Line

The first method you can try to compress PDF in Linux is using Ghostscript. This is a command-line tool that comes in Debian or Ubuntu. This software recognizes the file type and makes it compatible so your Linux device can read it.

You can follow the steps given below to compress PDF with the command line.

Step 1: First, open the terminal of your Linux system by pressing "Ctrl + Alt + T."

Step 2: If you don't have Ghostscript installed on your system, insert the following command and hit enter. It might ask for your password.

Command: sudo apt-get install ghostscript

Step 3: You can enter the "cd" command to open the directory containing your PDF file.

Step 4: Then, enter the following command. Replace the "input.pdf" with the file name you want to compress and "output.pdf" with the desired output name.

Command: gs -sDEVICE=pdfwrite -dCompatibilityLevel=1.4 -dPDFSETTINGS=/screen -dNOPAUSE -dQUIET -dBATCH -sOutputFile=output.pdf input.pdf

Step 5: Once the command runs, you will find your compressed PDF file in the same directory.

If you regularly move PDFs between Linux and a supported phone or desktop, UPDF provides a visual alternative with four output-quality levels.

Download UPDF for free to try reducing a PDF on Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android — installation is free, and Pro removes the trial watermark from exported files.

Part 3. Compress PDF on Linux without Commands

Smallpdf works in a Linux browser and currently offers Basic, Moderate, and Strong compression. Basic compression is available without Pro; Moderate and Strong are Pro options. Smallpdf states that uploaded files use TLS encryption and are automatically deleted after one hour, but the PDF still leaves the Linux device during processing.

Here is how to compress PDF on Linux without the command line:

Step 1: Open any browser on your Linux system and visit the official Smallpdf website. Then, click the "Compress" option in the top menu bar.

Step 2: Click the "Choose Files" button to upload the PDF file you want to compress. You can also drag and drop it here.

Step 3: Once the PDF file is successfully uploaded, you will see this interface. Select the compression intensity from "Basic" or "Strong" and click the "Compress" button. It will start compressing your file.

(Note: For strong compression, you need to use the paid version of Smallpdf. However, you can use it for free once.)

Step 4: When the compressing process is completed, you can click the "Download" button to download the file. You can also click "Export As" to export it in other formats.

Did you see how easy it is to compress PDF in Linux? With these types of tools, you can perform all PDF-related tasks with just a click. They are not only limited to Linux. If you are also a Windows or Mac OS user, we have another amazing option for you!

Let's explore how to compress the PDF file on Windows or Mac!

Also Read: How to Edit PDFs on Linux: A Guide to Master Document Modifications

Part 4. Bonus Tip: Compress PDF File on Windows and Mac

If you need to compress PDF files on Windows and Mac, you can use UPDF. This tool offers a range of other features for managing your PDFs. UPDF provides a free trial, making it easy to test out before purchasing.

The price is very affordable, and a single license works on both Windows and Mac, making it a great value! UPDF also offers an AI Assistant to make your experience even better.

Steps to Compress PDF on Windows/Mac Using UPDF

If you have downloaded the UPDF app, you can follow the instructions given below:

(We are using Windows OS)

Step 1: Open the UPDF app on your desktop, and click "Open File" to open your PDF document. You can also drag and drop it here.

Step 2: When your PDF file is opened, click the narrow next to save button in the right panel. Then, select the "Reduce File Size" option.

Step 3: Now, you are supposed to choose the output quality of your document from highest to lowest and click "Save As."

After clicking the save as button, you will be asked for the location where you want to save your compressed document. Choose the location and save it.

So, are you ready to try UPDF? If yes, then download it today and explore its capabilities. Furthermore, if you want to see it in action? Check out this informative video:

FAQs

Conclusion

Use Ghostscript when a PDF needs private, local compression, and Smallpdf when a browser workflow is worth the upload trade-off. Keep the original and verify both appearance and interactive content after every compression run.

If the PDF also moves to Windows, macOS, iOS, or Android, UPDF provides four visual compression levels and avoids Linux command syntax.

Download UPDF for free to choose a PDF quality level on a supported device — installation is free, and Pro removes the trial watermark from exported files.