How to Make a PDF Smaller

Whether you're looking to save storage space or reduce the size of PDF files for sharing, PDF Reader Pro has you covered. Easily turn larger files into more manageable sizes using our PDF Editor's PDF compression features. Follow our guide below to begin the file compression process:

 

• How to Make a PDF Smaller on Windows
• How to Make a PDF Smaller on Mac
• Best Practice for How to Make a PDF Smaller
• Other Tips and Tricks for Reducing File Size
• How to Make a PDF Smaller: FAQs

 

How to Make a PDF Smaller on Windows

Use your Windows operating system to make your PDF smaller with PDF Reader Pro.

Step 1: Open Your Original PDF File

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Step 2: Click "Editor" to Change File Content

Select "Compress" to use our PDF compression tools. 

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Step 3: Choose Your Export Size

Carefully select your output size as the minimum size available will retain the least quality. Click "Compress" to save your reduced-size PDF.



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How to Make a PDF Smaller on Mac

Use your Mac operating system to effortly make PDF files smaller with PDF Reader Pro.

Step 1: Open the Larger File Size PDF

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Step 2: Click "Editor" and Select "Compress"

This will open a new window where you can choose the final file quality. 



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Step 3: Adjust Your Output Size

Use our PDF tool to compress your file content by as much or as little as you like.



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You can also check our recommendations on How to Reduce PDF File Size Without Losing Quality.

Best Practice for How to Make a PDF Smaller

One of the best practices for making a PDF file size smaller is to optimize the file size without compromising on image quality. This can be achieved through various methods using our PDF compressor:

1. Optimize images: Before saving or printing a PDF, after the file compression process, ensure that the images are resized and compressed appropriately. Use image editing tools to reduce their resolution and adjust their quality settings. This can significantly reduce the PDF file size.

2. Choose compression settings: When saving a PDF, select the appropriate compression settings. Most PDF creation software, such as Adobe Acrobat, allows you to adjust the compression level for different elements of the document, like images and text. Experiment with different settings to strike the right balance between file size and quality.

3. Use a PDF compressor: There are numerous online tools and software available that specialize in PDF compression. These tools analyze the file and apply compression algorithms to reduce its size while maintaining as much quality as possible. 

It is important to note that while reducing the size is key, preserving the quality of the content is equally important. Always preview the document after compression to ensure that the images and text are still clear and legible.

Other Tips and Tricks for Reducing File Size

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1. Convert Files to PDF Format: Before combining multiple documents into a PDF, consider converting them to PDF format individually. This can result in smaller document sizes compared to combining files in their original formats. Most applications have built-in PDF conversion options, or you can use online converters for this purpose.

2. Combine Documents Efficiently: When combining multiple PDFs into one, use an efficient method to minimize the final PDF size. Instead of using copy-paste or insert methods, utilize the "Combine" or "Merge" function in PDF software. This ensures that the file size doesn't substantially increase due to unnecessary data duplication.

3. Utilize the "Reduce File Size" Option: Many PDF editors offer a "Reduce File Size" or "Optimize PDF" option. This feature analyzes the PDF and applies advanced compression techniques to significantly reduce the file size. It is recommended to use this option, especially when sharing PDFs online or via email.

4. Select PDF as the Output Format: When compressing PDFs using third-party software or online tools, make sure to select PDF as the output format. This ensures that the resulting file remains in PDF format while still undergoing the compression process. Other file formats may not retain the same level of compression effectiveness.

For further guidance, consider watching video demonstrations that showcase the compression process step-by-step. These videos can provide visual instructions and help you understand the various options available to compress PDF files effectively.

How to Make a PDF Smaller: FAQs

What is the best way to reduce the file size of a PDF?

One of the most effective ways to reduce the file size of a PDF is to use the "Reduce File Size" or "Optimize PDF" option in PDF editing software like Adobe Acrobat. This feature applies advanced compression techniques to significantly reduce the file size without sacrificing too much quality.

Are there any online PDF compressors?

Yes, there are numerous online tools that allow you to compress PDF files. These tools typically use similar compression algorithms as Adobe Acrobat and can significantly reduce the file size of your PDFs. However, beware security risks when uploading documents online. 

Will compressing a PDF affect the quality of the images?

Compressing a PDF can potentially affect the quality of images, especially if a high compression level is applied. However, modern compression techniques aim to minimize quality loss while reducing PDF size. It's recommended to experiment with different compression settings to find the balance between file size reduction and image quality that suits your needs.

Does the type of file format affect the effectiveness of PDF compression?

When compressing a PDF, it's important to select PDF as the output format. Other file formats may not retain the same level of compression effectiveness. To ensure optimum compression, use software or online tools that specifically target PDF file compression.

In summary, to make a PDF smaller, optimize images, choose appropriate compression settings, and consider using online tools or PDF compression software. By following these best practices, you can achieve significant file size reduction while maintaining the quality of your PDF documents.