Why 2 MB?
2 MB is one of the most common upload limits for resumes, certificates, application forms and ID documents. It's large enough that text and normal scans stay sharp, so the Recommended level is usually all you need.
Still over 2 MB?
- Use the Strong level - it mainly shrinks the images inside the PDF.
- Scanned at a high resolution? 150-200 DPI is plenty for documents.
- Remove pages the portal doesn't need, then compress again.
KB, MB and the "1,000 vs 1,024" trap
2 MB is 2,048 KB on most computers, but some portals treat it as 2,000 KB. If your file shows 1.99 MB and still gets rejected, that is usually why - aim for about 1.9 MB to be safe.
Sending several documents in one 2 MB file
If a form wants everything in a single upload, combine the documents with Merge PDF first, then compress the merged file. Put the most important document first, and remove cover pages or blank backs of scanned sheets to save space for the pages that matter.