Shorten text without losing the thread.
Shorten text from emails, explanations, or web drafts. Keep the sequence of ideas, compare the before-and-after word counts, and review the details that connect each paragraph.
Shorten your text
Use blank lines between paragraphs and review the whole passage.
English text editing. Guest and account limits are shared with the sentence shortener, not reset per tool. Ctrl/⌘ + Enter runs an edit. Your text is subject to our content policy; see how text is processed.
What does it mean to shorten text?
To shorten text is to make a passage more economical while retaining its useful information. Unlike a summary, a shorter edit should still carry the reasons, examples and conditions that make the original usable. Work across the passage, not just its longest sentence: repeated introductions and unnecessary transitions often create extra length. A passage that is already direct may not have much to remove safely.
How to shorten text and review the result
Paste a complete passage
Use English text within your displayed character allowance. Separate paragraphs with a blank line so their boundaries are clear. This is a text editor, not a document-upload service.
Set the depth of the edit
Start with Balanced, or choose Simple for accessible wording. Aggressive attempts stronger cuts. Identify names, technical terms and other wording that must remain unchanged.
Read the passage in order
Compare word and paragraph counts, then check references such as “this change” and “they.” A lower count is not a success if a reason or exception has disappeared.
Copy after checking the details
Verify quantities, dates, negations and promises against the original. Keep your own source draft so you can restore wording when extra context earns its place.
Examples: before and after
Before
In order to join the workshop, please register by Thursday. Due to the fact that places are limited, we cannot accept walk-ins.
After
To join the workshop, please register by Thursday. Because places are limited, we cannot accept walk-ins.
Before
The update gives users the ability to save a draft. At this point in time, drafts are available on desktop only.
After
The update lets users save a draft. Drafts are currently available on desktop only.
Before
We made a decision to move the launch to June 12. All existing reservations will continue to remain valid.
After
We decided to move the launch to June 12. All existing reservations remain valid.
Shorten text vs. a paragraph shortener or word-count reducer
Use Shorten Text for a general passage that needs a leaner version. The paragraph shortener puts extra emphasis on paragraph-level connections and revision checks. Reduce Word Count starts with a numerical word budget and reports whether the output fits. Make It Shorter is a quicker entry point for a sentence or brief message. Shared editing technology does not remove the need to choose the right review workflow.
Questions before you edit
Can I shorten several paragraphs at once?
Yes, within your character allowance. Use blank lines between paragraphs. The editor checks paragraph counts, but you should still review the connections and references yourself.
Is a text shortener the same as a summarizer?
No. This workflow edits the original passage rather than intentionally replacing it with only its main points. Review the output because automated checks cannot prove that every nuance survives.
Can I paste an entire book or upload a PDF?
No. This tool accepts pasted English text within the displayed character limit. It does not provide file uploads or unlimited long-document editing.
Does this page have a separate free allowance?
No. Guest and account limits are shared with the other editors. Moving between tool pages does not reset the allowance. Current limits and paid options are listed on the pricing page.