Make a smaller image copy of a scanned document

A scan may be a JPEG, PNG or a page inside a PDF. This tool works with supported image files and does not open, combine or generate PDF documents. If a recipient asks for a PDF, use a document workflow that explicitly produces the required PDF. Renaming a JPG with a PDF extension does not create a valid document.

Read the receiving instructions before compressing. They may specify a file type, a maximum size, complete page edges, color information or readable signatures and stamps. For exam and government submissions, check your own notification because requirements vary. Keep the original scan, including any uncompressed or higher-resolution version, while making a delivery copy. This page does not certify a document, verify its contents or guarantee that a portal will accept an image just because its byte count fits.

The preset fits an image inside 2400 by 2400 pixels, selects JPEG at 90% quality and turns sharpening off. That is a starting point for review, not an official document specification. A tall page will fit within the height bound, so inspect the actual output dimensions and the smallest printed text before deciding whether it is suitable.

Check names, dates, decimal points, signatures, stamps and machine-readable codes. If the source has very fine black text on a plain background, compare PNG when the recipient allows it. JPEG can add noise around sharp letters, while a large PNG may exceed a strict cap. Choose the format and dimensions that meet the real requirement together. Sharpening cannot correct an out-of-focus scan or straighten a page, so rescan or photograph it again if important content is already unclear.

Open the downloaded output at a readable zoom and inspect every area required by the recipient. Make sure a crop has not removed a page number, seal, signature or document edge. Fit within preserves the full image, whereas Exact size cuts to a chosen shape. Do not crop away information merely to meet a generic dimension example on a tool page.

Processing takes place in your browser, but the visible contents remain in the exported image. Re-encoding is not redaction and does not hide addresses, identification numbers or signatures. Prepare a correctly redacted copy in an editor when sharing an example rather than an official submission. A batch applies shared settings and produces separate image files, not a multipage document. Download a test, check its readability and size, and retain the original until the receiving workflow is complete.

For a concrete check, inspect a page with a small printed date, a signature and a stamp. Open the exported image and read each of those features at a comfortable zoom. If the page fits the byte limit but the date is ambiguous, the copy is not ready for submission. Improve the source scan, use a more suitable permitted format or review the legitimate size controls. Do not repeatedly reduce the same already compressed copy. Keep complete page edges when the recipient requires them, and remember that a readable image still must meet your own notification or document instructions.