9 Methods to Compress a PDF to Reduce File Size

In this article, we will show you how to compress a PDF using online tools, and apps to reduce file size without losing quality.

How to decrease the size of a PDF – If you’ve ever tried to email a PDF file or upload it online only to be met with the dreaded “file size too large” message, you’re not alone.

How to reduce PDF file size – PDFs, while great for preserving the formatting of documents, can often become bloated and difficult to share.

Fortunately, compressing a PDF is a quick and easy process.

Here, we will show you several methods to reduce the size of your PDF files without compromising on quality. However, if you feel that you need immediate help, you can hire trusted freelancers from Fiverr to help you compress your PDF professionally.

Reasons to Compress a PDF?

Before diving into how to compress a PDF, let’s briefly touch on why you might want to do so. Here are a few common reasons:

Ease of sharing: Smaller files are much easier to upload and share via email or online platforms.
Faster loading times: Compressed PDFs load faster, making them more user-friendly.
Storage space: Reducing the size of your PDFs frees up valuable storage space on your device.

How to compress a PDF

There are several ways to compress a PDF (how to decrease the size of a pdf), depending on your needs and preferences. Let’s explore the most effective methods.

1. Use Online PDF Compressors

One of the easiest ways to compress a PDF is to use an online tool. These tools are free and can handle large files with ease. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Go to a reliable PDF compression website, such as Smallpdf, ILovePDF, or PDF Compressor.
Step 2: Upload your PDF file to the website.
Step 3: Select the compression level (many websites offer options for high or low compression).
Step 4: Click “Compress” and wait for the file to process.
Step 5: Download your compressed PDF.

The great thing about online tools is their simplicity and accessibility, but do be aware that you’ll need an internet connection to use them.

2. Compress PDF Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

If you’re looking for a more professional tool, Adobe Acrobat Pro offers a built-in PDF compression feature. Here’s how to use it:

Step 1: Open your PDF file in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Step 2: Click on “File” in the menu bar, then choose “Save As Other.”
Step 3: Select “Optimized PDF.”
Step 4: In the PDF Optimizer window, adjust the settings to reduce the file size. You can optimize images, fonts, and other elements.
Step 5: Click “OK” and save your file.

Adobe Acrobat Pro offers more control over the compression settings, but keep in mind that it’s a paid software.

See Also: 15 Best PDF Merger and Splitters

3. How to Compress PDF on Mac OS Using Mac Preview

If you’re a MacBook user, you don’t need any extra software to compress a PDF. The Preview app that comes with macOS has a simple compression feature. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open your PDF file in Preview.
Step 2: Click on “File” in the menu bar and choose “Export.”
Step 3: In the export dialog, choose “PDF” as the format.
Step 4: Under “Quartz Filter,” select “Reduce File Size.”
Step 5: Click “Save.”

While this method is quick and easy, keep in mind that the quality of the PDF might decrease slightly depending on the compression level.

4. How to compress PDF Using PDF Editing Software

For those who need more control, PDF editing software like Foxit PhantomPDF or Nitro PDF Pro allows you to manually adjust the compression settings. These programs give you flexibility, such as compressing individual images or optimizing text and fonts.

Step 1: Open the PDF file in your chosen software.
Step 2: Look for an option labeled “Reduce File Size” or “Optimize PDF.”
Step 3: Choose the level of compression you want.
Step 4: Save your file.

While this option is more robust than some online tools, it’s also typically a paid service.

5. How to Compress PDFs with ZIP Files

Another simple method for reducing file size is by compressing your PDF into a ZIP file. This doesn’t technically reduce the size of the PDF itself but makes it easier to share multiple files at once. Here’s how:

Step 1: Right-click on your PDF file.
Step 2: Select “Send to” and choose “Compressed (zipped) folder” (on Windows) or “Compress” (on Mac).
Step 3: Share the ZIP file.

This method is handy if you have several PDFs to compress, but keep in mind that recipients will need to unzip the file before viewing it.

See Also: 5 Ways to convert PDF to Word

6. How to Compress a PDF on iPhone

If you’re using an iPhone, there are several apps and tools you can use to compress a PDF. Here’s how you can do it:

Using the Files App and Shortcuts:

Step 1: Open the Files app on your iPhone and locate the PDF you want to compress.
Step 2: Download a free Shortcut app like “PDF Compressor” from the Shortcuts Gallery. These apps allow you to automate the compression process.
Step 3: After installing the shortcut, select the PDF you want to compress, then run the shortcut to reduce the file size.

This method is simple, and you can automate the compression process with just a few taps.

Using Third-Party Apps:

Step 1: Download a PDF editing app such as PDF Expert or Adobe Acrobat Reader from the App Store.
Step 2: Open the app, load your PDF, and look for an option to compress or reduce the file size.
Step 3: Adjust the compression settings and save the file.

7. How to Compress a PDF on Android

Compressing a PDF on Android smartphones is straightforward using either an app or an online tool. Here’s how:

Using an App:

Step 1: Download a PDF compressor app from the Google Play Store, such as PDF Converter or Smallpdf.
Step 2: Open the app and upload the PDF you want to compress.
Step 3: Select the compression level (e.g., high, medium, or low).
Step 4: Once the file is compressed, download the new PDF to your device.

Apps like ILovePDF and PDF Compressor are also great choices for reducing file size on Android.

Using an Online Tool:

Step 1: Open your web browser and visit an online PDF compression site like Smallpdf or ILovePDF.
Step 2: Upload the PDF and select the desired compression level.
Step 3: Download the compressed file to your Android device.

Online tools work well for occasional use and do not require installing any apps.

8. How to Compress a PDF on Windows

If you’re on a Windows PC, there are several ways to compress your PDF files. Here are the top methods:

Using Adobe Acrobat Reader:

Step 1: Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Step 2: Click on File, then select Save As Other > Optimized PDF.
Step 3: In the PDF Optimizer, select the settings you want to apply (e.g., reducing image quality, removing unused elements).
Step 4: Click OK and save the newly compressed PDF.

Adobe Acrobat Pro gives you full control over the compression settings, making it ideal for professionals.

Using Online Tools:

Step 1: Open your browser and go to an online PDF compressor like Smallpdf or ILovePDF.
Step 2: Upload your PDF file.
Step 3: Select the desired compression level and compress your file.
Step 4: Download the compressed PDF file.

Online tools are easy to use but can have file size limitations. They’re great for occasional use when you need a quick solution.

Using Free Software:

If you’re looking for a free option, PDF24 Creator is a good tool to compress PDFs without paying for premium software. Simply install PDF24, open your file, and select the compression option.

9. How to Compress a PDF on Bluebeam

Bluebeam Revu is a popular PDF editing software that is widely used in construction and engineering for handling large PDF files. Here’s how to compress a PDF using Bluebeam:

Step 1: Open your PDF in Bluebeam Revu.
Step 2: Click on File, then choose Save As.
Step 3: Select Reduce File Size.
Step 4: In the Reduce File Size options, you can adjust settings like image quality, resolution, and font embedding.
Step 5: Click OK to save the newly compressed PDF.

Bluebeam Revu offers a lot of flexibility, especially for those working with large files or technical documents. It provides a more detailed way to optimize and compress PDFs for specific needs.

See Also: 10 Ways to Edit PDF for free

How to Adjust PDF Image Quality

If your PDF contains images, reducing their resolution can significantly reduce the overall size. Here’s how to adjust image quality in a PDF:

Step 1: Open the PDF in a PDF editor (such as Adobe Acrobat).
Step 2: Look for the image compression options under the “File” or “Save As Other” settings.
Step 3: Choose a lower image resolution or use lossy compression to reduce the size of the images.
Step 4: Save the file.

This method can be especially useful for PDFs with high-resolution images, such as scanned documents or brochures.

Tips for Effective PDF Compression

Avoid over-compressing: While it’s tempting to reduce file sizes as much as possible, overly compressing a PDF can degrade its quality. Always preview your compressed file to ensure it meets your needs.
Use the right tools for the job: If you’re working with sensitive documents, be mindful of privacy when using online tools. In such cases, using offline software like Adobe Acrobat or Foxit PhantomPDF may be a safer option.
Check the file after compression: After compressing a PDF, always check the file to ensure that the text is legible and the images are still clear.

Conclusion

Compressing a PDF is a simple and effective way to make your files easier to share, store, and upload. Whether you choose an online tool, use built-in software like Adobe Acrobat or Preview, or adjust the image quality, you’ll find a method that suits your needs.

By following the steps above, you can reduce your PDF file size without sacrificing too much quality, making it easier to handle large documents. However, if you are not sure that you can do it yourself, you can simply hire trusted freelancers from Fiverr to help you compress your PDF professionally.

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