My documents are too large to upload. How do I reduce the file size? (2024)

First, make sure you know the file size limit for the online application you use. Depending on what you’re applying for, the limit can be as low as 2MB.

Here are some tips for reducing the overall size of your file.

PDF format

Save as a PDF again, but select the “lowest file size” option available in the software you’re using to create the PDF. For instance, in Microsoft Word, there is an “Optimize for” panel to the left of the “Save” button. Select “Minimum size” to get a reduced file size with clear text and images.
Reduce the image size if you have access to photo-editing software.
- Saving your images at a lower resolution, such as 96DPI (dots per inch) or 150DPI, can greatly reduce image file size.
- File size and image options are usually found under the advanced settings menu of the software.
Remove all unnecessary images in your file.

Scan your document at a lower resolution, such as 96DPI.
If you don’t have a scanner, take a photo with your cellphone, and choose a smaller image size.
Use the “Crop” feature to remove all empty space around the image.
Reduce the image size. Options are usually found under the advanced settings menu of the software.
Reduce the JPG image quality if you have access to photo-editing software.

Scan your document at a lower resolution (96DPI).
If you don’t have a scanner, take a photo with your cellphone, and choose a smaller image size.
Use the “Crop” feature to remove all empty space around the image.
Reduce the image size. Options are usually found under the advanced settings menu of the software.
Save the file in JPG format instead.

Remove unnecessary images, formatting and macros in your Word document.
Save the file as a recent Word version.
Reduce the images’ size before you add them to your Word document. If you have access to photo-editing software
- Saving your images at a lower resolution, such as 96DPI or 150DPI, can greatly reduce image file size.
- File size and image options can usually be found under advanced settings menu of the software.
If your file is still too large, save the file as a PDF
- When you save as a PDF, use the “Optimize for” panel to the left of the “Save” button. Select “Minimum size” to get a reduced file size with clear text and images.