How to Compress PDF Online
When applying for a mortgage with UnrealFi, you may be asked to upload documents—such as bank statements, pay stubs, or signed disclosures—through our secure portal. Sometimes these files can be too large to upload, especially if they were scanned at high resolution. That’s where PDF compression comes in.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to quickly reduce the file size of a PDF using a free, trusted online tool—so your documents upload without any trouble.
Why Compress a PDF?
Large PDF files can cause:
- Upload errors
- Delays in submitting your documents
- Longer email sending times
By compressing your PDF, you make the file smaller without losing important content or readability.
Step-by-Step: Compressing Your PDF Online
1. Choose a Trusted Online PDF Compressor
Visit a free, reputable site such as:
- Smallpdf.com
- ILovePDF.com
- Adobe Acrobat Online
- or any other tool that you trust
💡 Tip: Only use trusted sites, especially when working with sensitive financial documents.
2. Upload Your PDF
Click the Upload or Choose File button and select the document you want to compress.
For example: your [Sample Mortgage Statement.pdf] file.
3. Select Your Compression Level
Most tools will give you two options:
- Basic Compression – Keeps high quality, smaller size reduction
- Strong Compression – Maximizes file size reduction, may slightly reduce quality
- Balanced Compression – Balanced quality/size reduction
For mortgage documents, Basic Compression is usually best to keep numbers and text sharp.
4. Download Your Compressed File
Once the tool processes your file, click Download to save the smaller PDF to your computer or phone.
You can now upload it to the UnrealFi portal or email it to your loan advisor without size issues.
Important Tips for Mortgage Documents
Always double-check the file after compression to make sure all pages are clear and readable. Save a backup of the original file before compressing, just in case. If you have multiple large PDFs, compress them one at a time for best results.
Final Thoughts
Compressing your PDFs is quick, free, and can save time when submitting documents for your mortgage application. If you run into trouble, your UnrealFi loan advisor can help guide you through the process or recommend secure tools to use.
