Document Compression
How to Compress Scanned PDFs Without Blurry Text
A practical method to reduce scanned PDF size while preserving readability in signatures and fine print.
Reviewed: 2026-05-04 · Publisher: LoveMorePDF Editorial Team
Scanned PDFs are typically image-heavy, so compression outcomes depend on scan quality more than text PDFs.
Before compression, crop blank borders and rotate pages correctly. Cleaner inputs lead to cleaner optimized output.
Use balanced compression first, then evaluate text clarity at normal zoom and 150% zoom for signatures and small labels.
When output still looks heavy, split large scans into sections and optimize by section for better control.
Related resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do scanned PDFs get blurry quickly?
Because they rely on raster image data, aggressive compression removes detail rapidly.
Should I OCR before compressing?
For text searchability yes; for pure size alone, either order can work depending on source quality.