Education
How to Compress PDF for Google Classroom & Email Applications
Actionable advice for educators and applicants who need sub-5 MB PDFs that still look great when graded or reviewed.
Table of contents
Understand LMS expectations
Google Classroom allows files up to 10 MB, but many districts impose smaller limits to save storage. Canvas and Blackboard typically allow up to 25 MB yet encourage submissions closer to 5 MB for faster grading. Scholarship portals can be even stricter.
Your goal is to produce a PDF that is crystal clear yet lean enough for any platform. Doing this consistently saves everyone time.
Try the tools mentioned in this guide
Every workflow here is powered by MyPDFHero. Jump straight into the tool that fits your task.
Compress PDF
Shrink assignments, contracts, or reports to fit email and LMS limits.
Open tool →Merge PDF
Combine chapters, receipts, or scans before submitting a single file.
Open tool →JPG to PDF
Turn photos, scans, or screenshots into polished PDFs in seconds.
Open tool →Use assignment-friendly naming
Before compression, rename files using the convention your teacher or coordinator prefers—often Lastname-Assignment-Week.pdf. This makes it easy for graders to match work to students, especially when multiple versions exist.
After compressing in MyPDFHero, keep the same naming convention so gradebooks stay tidy.
Capture notes the smart way
If you scan handwritten work, use a scanning app that removes background noise and auto-crops edges. Students love Microsoft Lens and Adobe Scan for this reason. Export images in black-and-white to reduce later file size.
Teachers digitizing packets can print to PDF directly from their LMS to avoid multiple conversions.
Compress with MyPDFHero
Upload the PDF, let the tool optimize fonts and images, and download the smaller version. The result stays under 3 MB for most worksheets, even those packed with diagrams. No watermark means teachers can re-share the file with annotations.
Encourage students to bookmark the tool so they compress work before every submission. This habit dramatically reduces “file too big” errors the night an assignment is due.
Share to Classroom or email
Attach the compressed PDF to your Classroom assignment, add notes, and submit. If you are emailing an application, mention that the document is optimized for clarity so reviewers know you took care. Teachers sending newsletters can also compress before emailing parents to avoid bounce backs.
If you must include multiple PDFs, merge them first, compress, and then upload to Classroom as one tidy file.
Create a repeatable policy
Schools can include a “Compress before submitting” reminder inside assignment templates. Offer linked tutorials (like this blog) so students follow the same workflow. This standardization improves LMS performance and reduces support tickets for digital learning teams.
Educators can also keep a shared spreadsheet to document tricky cases or portals with extreme requirements.
Step-by-step workflow
Follow these practical steps inside MyPDFHero or your operating system to complete the task quickly.
Step 1
Prepare the document
Scan or export your work, ensuring it’s tidy and readable.
Step 2
Compress with MyPDFHero
Upload the file and let the compressor produce a Classroom-friendly size.
Step 3
Verify size and clarity
Open the download, zoom in, and confirm annotations and math remain crisp.
Step 4
Submit to Classroom or email
Attach the PDF to your assignment or message and add any required comments.
Step 5
Archive for your records
Store the optimized PDF in Drive or OneDrive for future reference.
Official resources
Validate your workflow with trusted documentation from Google, Microsoft, Adobe, and other official sources.
- Google Classroom file tips
Official file requirements straight from Google.
- Canvas Student Guide
Shows accepted file types and submission best practices.
- Adobe Scan educator resources
Great primer for teachers digitizing worksheets.
Frequently asked questions
What is the max file size for Google Classroom?
Classroom allows 10 MB, but some school admins enforce smaller limits. Aim for 3 MB or less to be safe.
Will compression affect grading?
No. Teachers can still zoom in, comment, and annotate because MyPDFHero maintains clarity.
Can I compress directly on a Chromebook?
Yes. MyPDFHero runs great on Chromebooks, so students can compress from school-issued devices.
Do teachers need to compress before emailing parents?
It helps. Smaller newsletters and permission slips reduce bounce rates and keep families engaged.
How do I proof that I compressed my file?
Screenshot the MyPDFHero savings modal or include the final file size in your submission note.
Can I automate this for an entire class?
Use shared instructions and link to this guide. Some schools deploy kiosk modes where students complete the workflow before uploading.
Related reading
Expand your PDF toolkit with more long-tail guides from MyPDFHero.
How to Compress a PDF Without Losing Quality (Free Guide)
A practical tutorial that shows you how to reduce PDF size without hurting readability, perfect for email, admissions, or procurement portals.
Read more →The Best Way to Convert Photos to PDF (Students & Office Guide)
We compare scanning apps, desktop exports, and the MyPDFHero converter so your photo-based PDFs always look clean.
Read more →How to Convert Screenshots to PDF (iOS, Android, PC)
Covers native OS features and the MyPDFHero converter so you can transform screenshots—including PNG and HEIC—into tidy PDFs.
Read more →