Common App PDF compressor
Get a PDF under the 2000 KB limit for your Common App upload, on your own device.
- 1Select
- 2Configure
- 3Process
- 4Download
Your PDF is processed locally and never uploaded.
Accepts PDFOne PDF, up to 50 MBDrop a PDF file here
One PDF, up to 50 MB. Works best on scans and picture-heavy PDFs.
Several steps to do? PDF Maker combines photos and PDFs, adds page numbers and fits a size limit in one go.
Guide: How to compress a PDF to meet an upload limit
The 2000 KB limit on Common App
Common App's applicant help centre says that if an SAT score report PDF downloaded from College Board is larger than the 2000 KB limit, it has to be compressed before it can be uploaded. Score reports, transcripts and certificates often go over because they were scanned or saved with large images inside.
Upload boxes can differ, so always read the message next to the one you're using. If it shows a different limit, choose that size in Target size instead. SentrueFile is an independent tool and isn't affiliated with Common App.
Common App also suggests printing the file with Microsoft Print to PDF, which only works on Windows. Compressing here works the same on a phone, a Mac or a Chromebook, and keeps the text of the document as real, searchable text.
Getting application documents under the limit
The tool re-saves only the pictures inside the PDF, starting from the best quality and stepping down until the file fits. Grades, names and other typed text are never redrawn, so they stay perfectly sharp for admissions readers.
- Compress a copy, keep the original. Upload the smaller file and keep the full-quality one for printing or for colleges that accept larger files.
- Check the result before you submit. Open the compressed PDF and zoom into the smallest text, such as score breakdowns or course codes, to make sure it's still clear.
- Scanning a paper transcript? Scan it at 150-200 DPI rather than 600, or use Scan to PDF with Under 2 MB chosen, so it starts small.
- Several pages in separate files? Join them with Merge PDF first, then compress the combined file once.
How to compress a PDF for Common App
- Select the PDF you're trying to upload, or drop it onto the box. On a phone, pick it from your Files app or downloads.
- Target size is already set to 2 MB, which is 2,000,000 bytes - under 2000 KB however the upload box counts it.
- Press Compress PDF, download the smaller copy and upload that one to your application.
How your files stay private
Your browser re-compresses the pictures in memory, on your device. The page is locked so it cannot send data to any other website. When you press Start over or close the tab, everything is cleared.
Limits
- One PDF at a time, up to 50 MB
- Black-and-white scans (JBIG2, CCITT) and print-colour (CMYK) pictures are left as they are
- Password-protected or restricted PDFs can't be changed
Questions
What is the Common App file size limit?
Common App's help centre gives a 2000 KB limit for SAT score report PDFs. If your upload box shows a different number, use that one.
Is 2 MB the same as 2000 KB here?
The tool aims for at most 2,000,000 bytes, which is under 2000 KB whether the site counts a kilobyte as 1,000 or 1,024 bytes.
Will compressing change my grades or scores?
No. Text is copied exactly; only pictures inside the file are re-saved more efficiently.
Is it safe to compress my transcript here?
Yes. The file is compressed in your browser and never sent to our servers, so your grades and personal details stay on your device.
What if the PDF still won't fit?
If even the lowest readable quality is over the limit, you get the smallest version and a message. Removing unneeded pages with Organize PDF usually solves it.
Is my PDF uploaded?
No. Your browser re-compresses it on your own device. The file is never sent to our servers or anyone else's.