PDF Pro Compresses Locally with WebAssembly

Why this is here: PDF Pro completes PDF compression in under 3 seconds on a mid-range phone, entirely offline, using WebAssembly and eliminating server round-trips.

Rahul Banerjee, an independent developer in India, built PDF Pro to address privacy concerns and strict file size limits common with Indian government portals. Many Indian citizens encounter issues uploading identity and financial documents online due to size restrictions, often requiring them to use third-party compression tools with questionable privacy policies. Banerjee’s solution utilizes WebAssembly to compress PDFs entirely within the user’s browser, ensuring documents never leave the device.

PDF Pro is a Next.js application with a Wasm core and no backend, minimizing potential privacy risks. The tool allows users to control compression levels and preview file sizes, accommodating varied portal requirements—from 200KB for UPSC applications to 1MB for ITR filings—while maintaining document readability.

Banerjee notes the tool is specifically designed for Indian users and their unique challenges with government digital infrastructure. He also acknowledges the difficulty of balancing compression with document clarity and the need for tools tailored to local needs. The project continues with plans to connect with other Indian developers focused on similar problems.