Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

FS PDF Compressor

gitlares.github.io

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
Visit gitlares.github.io
Spec score 7.9 #16 of 39 in PDF Compression Software

What it is

FS PDF Compressor is a free desktop app that compresses PDF files locally with Ghostscript. It is listed for macOS, Windows, and Linux, and its Free plan is free. Users can add one PDF, several PDFs, or a folder for batch processing. Balanced compression is the default, with two optional quality profiles. The app replaces an original only if the compressed version is smaller; Keep original mode can save a separate compressed copy instead. PDFs are processed locally, with no uploads, accounts, analytics, or telemetry. File actions are available in Finder, Windows Explorer, GNOME Files, and KDE Dolphin. An optional Drop Zone provides another way to start compression by dropping files onto a desktop target. The macOS distribution is Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple. The Windows installer is unsigned and updates are manual. On Linux under Wayland, the Drop Zone cannot reliably remain pinned to the desktop layer. The app is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later.

Spec sheet

Purpose
FS PDF Compressor compresses PDF files locally with Ghostscript.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Intended users
The maker describes it as a small, free PDF compressor for Mac, Windows, and Linux.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Platforms
Downloads are listed for macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux x86_64.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Integrations
The app adds file actions for Finder, Windows Explorer, GNOME Files, and KDE Dolphin.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Security
The macOS distribution is Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Privacy
PDFs are processed locally, with no uploads, accounts, analytics, or telemetry.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Support
The maker invites users to report issues on GitHub and accepts optional PayPal donations.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The app is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Batch processing
Users can drag in one PDF, multiple PDFs, or a folder.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Compression profiles
The app uses Balanced compression by default and offers two optional quality profiles.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
File safety
The app replaces an original only when the compressed result is smaller, and Keep original mode can save a separate compressed copy.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Linux limit
Under Wayland, the app cannot reliably pin its Drop Zone to the desktop layer.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Quick access
An optional Drop Zone lets users compress PDFs by dropping them onto a small desktop target.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com
Windows limit
The Windows installer is currently unsigned and updates are manual.Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free Free macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon · Windows 11 x64 · Linux x86_64 Read 3 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every FS PDF Compressor plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Processes files locally without uploads or telemetry.
  • Accepts a PDF, multiple PDFs, or a folder.
  • Keeps the original if compression does not reduce size.
  • Adds file actions to four file managers.

Limits

  • Windows installer is unsigned and updates are manual.
  • Under Linux Wayland, the Drop Zone may not stay pinned.
  • Free plan lists macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux x86_64.

Who it suits

FS PDF Compressor suits people who want to compress PDFs locally on a desktop computer. Its batch input and file-manager actions may be useful for users handling several PDFs or folders.

Verdict

FS PDF Compressor offers local batch compression and an option to preserve the original. Check the listed platform versions and the Windows and Wayland limitations before relying on its installer or Drop Zone.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to FS PDF CompressorAll alternatives →