FS PDF Compressor for MAC
Free, open-source PDF compressor that shrinks PDFs locally with a bundled Ghostscript: drag, drop, done, with no uploads or accounts.
FS PDF Compressor Overview
FS PDF Compressor, where FS stands for Fast & Simple, is a free, open-source app that makes PDF files smaller without uploading them anywhere. Drag one PDF, several PDFs or a whole folder onto its window and it compresses them on your Mac with Ghostscript, which is included in the app, so there is nothing else to install. It uses balanced compression by default, with two optional quality profiles, and it replaces the original only when the result is actually smaller. A Keep original mode makes a separate compressed copy instead and remembers your choice.
The app adds a Compress with FS PDF Compressor Quick Action to Finder and an optional Drop Zone, a small target on the desktop that compresses whatever PDFs you drop on it. There are no uploads, accounts, analytics or telemetry. FS PDF Compressor is made by Daniel Lares under the AGPL-3.0 licence and is also available for Windows and Linux. The Mac version is built for Apple Silicon only, needs macOS 14 or later, and is signed and notarized by Apple. Version 1.0.16 goes back to Ghostscript 10.07.1, because a problem in 10.08.0 could hide page content in some PDFs made with Photoshop.
Key Features
FS PDF Compressor keeps PDF compression simple and private.
- Drag and drop: compress one PDF, several PDFs or a whole folder.
- Local processing: files never leave your Mac.
- Ghostscript included: no Homebrew or separate install needed.
- Quality profiles: balanced by default, with two optional profiles.
- Safe replacement: the original is replaced only when the result is smaller.
- Keep original: optionally save a separate compressed copy.
- Finder Quick Action: compress selected PDFs straight from Finder.
- Drop Zone: an optional desktop target, available in every Space.
What’s New in Version 1.0.16
FS PDF Compressor 1.0.16 is a Ghostscript compatibility fix.
- Goes back to Ghostscript 10.07.1, because a problem in Ghostscript 10.08.0 could let an image layer cover the page in some PDFs made with Photoshop
- No changes to the interface, profiles, privacy, updates or file replacement
FS PDF Compressor FAQ
Is FS PDF Compressor free?
Yes. FS PDF Compressor is free and open source under the AGPL-3.0 licence.
Are my PDFs uploaded anywhere?
No. Everything is processed locally on your Mac. The app has no uploads, accounts, analytics or telemetry.
Do I need to install Ghostscript?
No. Ghostscript is included in the app, so you do not need Homebrew or a separate install.
Which Macs does FS PDF Compressor run on?
The Mac version is built for Apple Silicon and needs macOS 14 or later.
Is the app signed?
Yes. The macOS version is Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple, so it opens normally with Gatekeeper enabled.
Will it overwrite my original PDF?
Only when the compressed result is smaller. If you turn on Keep original, it creates a separate compressed copy instead and remembers that choice.
Can I compress PDFs from Finder?
Yes. Select PDFs in Finder and choose Quick Actions, Compress with FS PDF Compressor. If it is hidden, enable it once under Quick Actions, Customize.
What is the Drop Zone?
An optional small target on the desktop. Drop PDFs on it to compress them without opening the main window; turn it on with FS PDF Compressor, Show Drop Zone.
What is new in FS PDF Compressor 1.0.16?
It goes back to Ghostscript 10.07.1, because a problem in 10.08.0 could hide page content in some PDFs made with Photoshop. Nothing else changes.
Where does the FS PDF Compressor download on fs-pdf-compressor.FULLMAC.app come from?
The download button leads to the official FS PDF Compressor release page on GitHub at https://github.com/gitlares/fs-pdf-compressor/releases/latest. fs-pdf-compressor.FULLMAC.app does not change or repackage the app.
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FULLMAC.app does not host this app. Download buttons lead to the developer’s own pages.