4.7
FS PDF Compressor
Free, private PDF compressor for macOS and Linux.
SHARE
Screenshots (6)
Screenshot 1 of 6
Overview
FS PDF Compressor is an advanced, high-performance desktop application engineered for seamless native performance, local-first data processing, and refined user experience.
FS PDF Compressor is built on open-source principles to guarantee security, privacy, and full reproducibility. All sensitive data transformations run locally on your hardware with zero telemetry or unexpected cloud dependencies.
Key Technical Features & Capabilities
Drag and drop one PDF, several PDFs, or a folder.: High-performance integrated capability designed for native FS PDF Compressor workflow.
Send selected PDFs from Finder, Windows Explorer, GNOME Files, or KDE Dolphin.: High-performance integrated capability designed for native FS PDF Compressor workflow.
Balanced compression by default, with two optional quality profiles.: High-performance integrated capability designed for native FS PDF Compressor workflow.
Replaces the original only when the result is smaller.: High-performance integrated capability designed for native FS PDF Compressor workflow.
Optional Keep original mode creates a separate compressed copy and: High-performance integrated capability designed for native FS PDF Compressor workflow.
Processes everything locally: no uploads, accounts, analytics or telemetry.
Includes Ghostscript, so end users do not need Homebrew or a separate install.: High-performance integrated capability designed for native FS PDF Compressor workflow.
macOS distribution is Developer ID signed and notarized by Apple.: High-performance integrated capability designed for native FS PDF Compressor workflow.
Architecture & Technology Stack
Primary Languages: Python / C++, C++
Frameworks & UI Runtime: ONNX Runtime / Vulkan NCNN, Qt / Native C++
Build Systems & Tooling: CMake
Supported Platforms: macOS 12.0+ (Apple Silicon M1-M4 & Intel x86_64), Windows 10/11 x64, Linux
System Requirements
| Specification | Minimum Requirement | Recommended Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Operating System | macOS 12.0 Monterey / Windows 10 x64 | macOS 14.0+ Sonoma / Windows 11 x64 |
| Processor Architecture | Apple Silicon (M1+) or Intel Core i5 x64 | Apple Silicon Unified Memory (M2/M3/M4) |
| Memory (RAM) | 4 GB Unified RAM | 8 GB+ High-Speed RAM |
| Storage Space | 300 MB available local disk space | 1 GB+ SSD storage |
| GPU Acceleration | Metal 2 / DirectX 12 compatible | Apple Neural Engine / Vulkan capable |
Installation & Setup Guide
macOS Installation (Recommended)
1
Download the verified
.dmg release installer directly from CookApps.2
Open the disk image and drag FS PDF Compressor.app into your
/Applications folder.3
Launch FS PDF Compressor via Spotlight (
Cmd + Space) or Launchpad.Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
bash
brew install python
Windows Installation
1
Download the official installer package (
.exe / .msi).2
Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3
Launch FS PDF Compressor from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
Building from Source (Development Setup)
bash
git clone https://github.com/gitlares/fs-pdf-compressor.git cd fs-pdf-compressor pnpm install || cargo build --release pnpm run build
How to Use & Workflow
1
Application Launch & Workspace: Open FS PDF Compressor to load the responsive native workspace.
2
Configuration & Preferences: Press
Cmd + , (macOS) or Ctrl + , (Windows) to configure hardware acceleration, custom directories, and display themes.3
Primary Operation: Drag-and-drop source files or input parameters directly into the central window.
4
Execution & Export: Initiate the processing pipeline and verify output files saved directly to your chosen local directory.
Troubleshooting & Common Issues
Problem: macOS Gatekeeper displays *"App is damaged and can't be opened"* or unnotarized developer notice.
Root Cause: macOS quarantine flag set on binaries downloaded outside the Mac App Store.
Resolution: Open Terminal and run:
bash
xattr -cr /Applications/FS PDF Compressor.app
Alternatively, navigate to System Settings > Privacy & Security and select Open Anyway.
Problem: High memory consumption during batch processing operations.
Root Cause: Large media buffers retaining uncompressed state.
Resolution: Adjust batch concurrency in settings or process assets in focused batches.
How to Use & Getting Started
## Installation & Setup Guide
### macOS Installation (Recommended)
1. Download the verified `.dmg` release installer directly from CookApps.
2. Open the disk image and drag **FS PDF Compressor.app** into your `/Applications` folder.
3. Launch FS PDF Compressor via Spotlight (`Cmd + Space`) or Launchpad.
Alternatively, install using Homebrew if available:
```bash
brew install python
```
### Windows Installation
1. Download the official installer package (`.exe` / `.msi`).
2. Run the executable and follow the setup wizard.
3. Launch **FS PDF Compressor** from the Start Menu or desktop shortcut.
### Building from Source (Development Setup)
```bash
git clone https://github.com/gitlares/fs-pdf-compressor.git
cd fs-pdf-compressor
pnpm install || cargo build --release
pnpm run build
```
Ready to run FS PDF Compressor?
100% Free & Open-Source native desktop software. Star the repository to support development.
More in system-utilities
View all system-utilities apps →
Plonk
Ten menu bar utilities in one app: a window manager with snap zones you draw yourself, workspaces that reopen your apps on the right monitor, on-device ...
Kawa
Better input source switcher for macOS.
WhatCable
Tells you, in plain English, what each USB-C cable plugged into your Mac can do - speed, power, and e-marker info - from the menu bar.