File size requirements
Government portals typically limit document uploads to 10 MB per file, sometimes as low as 5 MB or 2 MB for specific forms. If your file exceeds the limit, the portal returns an error and refuses the upload.
Common reasons a PDF is too large:
- Multi-page scans of passports or other ID documents (15–40 MB)
- PDFs with embedded high-resolution photos
- DOCX/XLSX conversions that include large images
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1: Check the file size
Right-click the PDF → Properties → check the file size. If it exceeds 10 MB, compression is needed.
Step 2: Compress online
- Open Compress PDF.
- Upload the file.
- Select High compression for maximum reduction while keeping text readable.
- Download the result and verify the new size.
Most scans shrink from 20–40 MB to 1–5 MB with this approach.
Step 3: If the file is still too large
Delete unnecessary pages using Edit PDF. Fewer pages = smaller file.
Split the document into parts using Split PDF and upload each part separately if the portal allows multiple attachments.
Frequently asked questions
The portal rejects my file — what should I check?
- Size — must be under the stated limit (usually 10 MB).
- Format — ensure it is a standard PDF, not PDF/A or password-protected.
- Protection — remove any open-password before uploading.
Will scan quality suffer?
Text, signatures and stamps remain legible at high compression. Minor sharpness loss on photos is generally acceptable for official document submissions.
Get started
- Compress PDF — main tool
- Edit PDF — remove unnecessary pages before compressing
- DOCX to PDF — convert documents before uploading