FS PDF Compressor
FS PDF Compressor is a free desktop app that uses Ghostscript to compress PDF files locally on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
What FS PDF Compressor is
FS PDF Compressor is a free desktop app that uses Ghostscript to compress PDF files locally on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It accepts a single PDF, multiple PDFs, or a folder, so users can process several files in one batch. Balanced compression is the default, with two other quality profiles available. The app replaces an original only when the compressed file is smaller; Keep original mode can instead save a separate compressed copy. Files stay on the device, with no uploads, accounts, analytics, or telemetry. File actions are available in Finder, Windows Explorer, GNOME Files, and KDE Dolphin, and an optional Drop Zone offers a desktop target for starting compression. 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 remain pinned to the desktop layer. The app is licensed under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later. Its Free plan is free and lists macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux x86_64.
Good
- Processes PDFs locally without uploads or accounts.
- Supports batches and folders.
- Offers two optional quality profiles.
- Preserves originals when compression does not reduce size.
- Available on macOS, Windows, and Linux.
Watch out
- Windows installer is unsigned.
- Windows updates are manual.
- Drop Zone may not stay pinned under Linux Wayland.
Who it suits
FS PDF Compressor suits people who want local PDF compression on a Mac, Windows, or Linux computer, including those processing multiple files or folders. Its local-only processing may suit users who do not want uploads or telemetry.
Verdict
FS PDF Compressor offers local batch processing and safeguards against replacing a larger source with a larger result. Windows users should note the unsigned installer and manual updates, while Wayland users may find the Drop Zone unreliable.
Plans and prices
From FS PDF Compressor's own pricing page, checked 3 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Free | macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon · Windows 11 x64 · Linux x86_64 |
The facts
Each one read from FS PDF Compressor's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Batch processing
- Users can drag in one PDF, multiple PDFs, or a folder.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Compression profiles
- The app uses Balanced compression by default and offers two optional quality profiles.checked 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.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The app adds file actions for Finder, Windows Explorer, GNOME Files, and KDE Dolphin.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The maker describes it as a small, free PDF compressor for Mac, Windows, and Linux.checked 3 Oct 2026
- License
- The app is released under the GNU Affero General Public License v3.0 or later.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Privacy
- PDFs are processed locally, with no uploads, accounts, analytics, or telemetry.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FS PDF Compressor compresses PDF files locally with Ghostscript.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Quick access
- An optional Drop Zone lets users compress PDFs by dropping them onto a small desktop target.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Security
- The macOS distribution is Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Support
- The maker invites users to report issues on GitHub and accepts optional PayPal donations.checked 3 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Linux limit
- Under Wayland, the app cannot reliably pin its Drop Zone to the desktop layer.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Platforms
- Downloads are listed for macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, Windows 11 x64, and Linux x86_64.checked 3 Oct 2026
- Windows limit
- The Windows installer is currently unsigned and updates are manual.checked 3 Oct 2026
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