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Before you start
- Make Smaller on Windows 11 24H2 or later, x64, with a full Microsoft Store license or trial access with uses remaining.
- A saved, locally available PDF, supported Microsoft Office document or supported OpenDocument file. Support depends on the document's structure and features.
Using the free trial? Each saved copy at least 1% smaller uses one of your five trial uses. How the free trial works.
Follow these steps
Save, close and measure the file
Finish your edits and close the document. In File Explorer, right-click it, choose Properties and note Size. For an upload, also check which file formats the site accepts.
Start with Preserve quality
Right-click the file, choose Make Smaller, then Preserve quality. If the result is still too large, try Balanced or Smallest size from the original only when changes to embedded pictures or media are acceptable.
Read what was applied
Check the result for any picture or media changes. Some document features or signatures require the app to keep embedded content unchanged. A stronger profile may therefore give no extra reduction.
Check the method used, then open the saved PDF. Enlarge image. Check the copy in its usual app
If a smaller copy was saved, choose Show in folder and open it. For Word or PDF, check small text, images and page layout. For PowerPoint, check slides and media. For Excel, check sheets, formulas and charts. Test any links or forms you use.
Compare the final size with the limit
If a smaller copy was saved, right-click it, choose Properties and read Size. Make Smaller keeps the file format and has no target-MB setting. Share the checked copy only if it meets the receiving site's requirements.
Check your result
- The expected pages, slides or sheets are present and readable.
- The links, forms, formulas or media you need still work.
- The original remains available, and the output has an accepted format and size.
If you need more help
When the document is skipped or unchanged
Encrypted or rights-managed files cannot be processed. Some signatures or other document features also prevent a usable result. Follow the explanation; do not remove a password or signature just to force a smaller file.
No improvement can mean the file is already compact. It can also mean the app could not safely apply a quality-reducing method. Check the stated reason before retrying.
If your task needs PDF-specific controls
If you need PDF size-goal controls, follow the related Osenpa PDF Tools compression guide. That is a separate workflow with different settings, and it also cannot promise that every file will reach the chosen limit.
Making a document smaller does not hide text or remove every personal property. Review sensitive information separately before sharing.
Need the app?
Make Smaller. Check requirements and download options.