Many job portals limit resume PDFs to small sizes (e.g., ≤2MB). How do you hit the cap while keeping visual quality and ATS (automated screening) readability? Use the copy‑ready settings and troubleshooting path below.
One‑click to target size
- Open Compress PDF
- Try “Clear Priority” or “Strong Compression” (for strict 2MB caps, start with Strong, then dial back)
- Download and verify the file size (target: ≤ 2MB)
First meet the cap, then fine‑tune
If Strong looks slightly blurry, switch to “Balanced” or “Clear Priority”, and combine with page size unification and B/W to slim further.
Pre‑optimization: steadier results, better clarity
1) Unify page and image dimensions
- Portfolios/certificates embedded as very large images often bloat file size.
First use Resize PDF Pages to A4/Letter; set image sources to ~150–200 DPI before export.
2) Black & white / grayscale (text‑heavy resumes)
- With mostly text, Black & White can significantly reduce size and improve ATS parsing.
3) Image‑heavy portfolios
- Rasterize complex vectors first, then compress; reduce oversized backgrounds and transparency.
ATS‑friendly: keep real text, not images
- Keep text as actual, selectable text (not screenshots).
- Embed fonts properly; ensure good contrast so OCR/ATS can parse.
- Avoid over‑flattening during export that turns text into images; if you must lock visuals, verify the target system’s requirements.
Native Windows/macOS ideas (lightweight backups)
- Windows: in Word/PowerPoint export to PDF, compare “Standard vs. Minimum size”; or “Print to PDF” with suitable quality.
- macOS Preview: export to PDF with “Quartz Filter” if available; then use Compress PDF to calibrate to 2MB.
Why is a short resume still >2MB?
Oversized images, scans, too many embedded fonts, and large transparent/gradient areas can bloat size. Unify page size + B/W first, then compress.
FAQ
Q: Still over 2MB after compressing?
A: Try “Strong Compression”; for photo/portfolio content, unify dimensions via Resize Pages or use Black & White, then compress again.
Q: Looks blurry — how to fix?
A: Use “Clear Priority/Balanced”; reduce heavy backgrounds; export portfolio images at appropriate resolution (150–200 DPI) in the source file.
Q: HR can’t open it or the portal rejects it?
A: Try Repair PDF; or create a PDF/A version for broader compatibility: Convert to PDF/A.
Q: Should I encrypt the resume?
A: Optional. You can set open passwords or disable copy/print via Encrypt PDF. Balance with parsing needs — overly strict limits may hinder screening.