Freedom251 › PDF Compression Software
FS PDF Compressor
What FS PDF Compressor 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 costs nothing. Users can add one PDF, multiple PDFs, or a folder for batch processing. Balanced compression is the default, with two other quality profiles available. The app replaces an original only if the compressed version is smaller; Keep original mode can instead save a separate compressed copy. Files are processed on the user’s computer, without uploads, accounts, analytics, or telemetry. The app adds file actions for Finder, Windows Explorer, GNOME Files, and KDE Dolphin. An optional Drop Zone gives users another way to start a compression job. The macOS version 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 stay pinned to the desktop layer. The app is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later.
Who it suits
It suits people who want a free desktop tool for compressing PDFs locally on macOS, Windows, or Linux. Batch input and file-manager actions may be useful for users handling several files.
What it does well
- Processes PDFs locally without accounts or uploads.
- Accepts individual files, multiple PDFs, or folders.
- Keeps originals unless compression makes files smaller.
- Adds actions to common desktop file managers.
What to know first
- Windows installer is unsigned.
- Windows updates are manual.
- Drop Zone pinning is unreliable under Linux Wayland.
Limits
The Free plan lists macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux x86_64. On Windows, the installer is unsigned and updates are manual; on Linux under Wayland, the Drop Zone cannot reliably pin to the desktop layer.
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Free | macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon · Windows 11 x64 · Linux x86_64 | Free |
As gitlares.github.io lists them, read 3 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Getting started
- Visit the FS PDF Compressor website.
- Choose the build for Linux, macOS, or Windows.
- Install the app on a listed platform.
- Add a PDF, multiple PDFs, or a folder to compress.
- Choose a compression profile or keep Balanced as the default.
- Use Keep original mode to save a separate compressed copy if preferred.
Verdict
FS PDF Compressor offers local PDF compression, batch input, and safeguards against replacing a larger original with a smaller result. Note the unsigned Windows installer and the Wayland limitation if those details matter to your setup.
Questions
How much does FS PDF Compressor cost?
Its Free plan costs nothing.
Does it have a free plan?
Yes. The plan is listed as Free and supports batch compression.
Which platforms are supported?
Linux, macOS, and Windows are listed. The Free plan specifies macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux x86_64.
Does the app upload PDFs?
No. PDFs are processed locally, with no uploads, accounts, analytics, or telemetry.
What license does it use?
FS PDF Compressor is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later.
How can users contact the maker?
The maker invites users to report issues on GitHub and accepts optional PayPal donations.
Facts from FS PDF Compressor's own pages
- Batch processing
- Users can drag in one PDF, multiple PDFs, or a folder. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Compression profiles
- The app uses Balanced compression by default and offers two optional quality profiles. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- File safety
- The app replaces an original only when the compressed result is smaller, and Keep original mode can save a separate compressed copy. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The app adds file actions for Finder, Windows Explorer, GNOME Files, and KDE Dolphin. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes it as a small, free PDF compressor for Mac, Windows, and Linux. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The app is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Linux limit
- Under Wayland, the app cannot reliably pin its Drop Zone to the desktop layer. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- Downloads are listed for macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux x86_64. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- PDFs are processed locally, with no uploads, accounts, analytics, or telemetry. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FS PDF Compressor compresses PDF files locally with Ghostscript. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Quick access
- An optional Drop Zone lets users compress PDFs by dropping them onto a small desktop target. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Security
- The macOS distribution is Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites users to report issues on GitHub and accepts optional PayPal donations. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
- Windows limit
- The Windows installer is currently unsigned and updates are manual. · github.com, 3 Oct 2026
Where FS PDF Compressor stands on Freedom251
- PDF Compression Software#9 of 39