How to Make a PDF Smaller on Any OS
When it comes to sharing documents online, compression is an important factor. Knowing how to make a PDF smaller is advantageous when you have to minimize the size of your content without lowering quality. Especially if you are transferring large elements through email or uploading them to the web.
Our article goes above and beyond by providing users with a range of strategies for compressing their PDF format files. Keep reading to learn the process on various platforms.
How we picked apps to make a PDF smaller
When choosing PDF compressors, we took into account several key criteria:
- Ease of use. We prioritized PDF size reducers with intuitive interfaces, ensuring that everyone can perform tasks without unnecessary complexity.
- Quality preservation. Our selection focused on services capable of doing the job without compromising the clarity. Clarity preservation is paramount in delivering satisfactory results.
- Speed. We considered the speed at which tools operate, favoring apps that strike a balance between effectiveness and swift processing to enhance efficiency.
By evaluating options based on these factors, we identified options that align with specific preferences and requirements, providing a tailored approach.
Option 1. PDF Candy Desktop (Windows)
PDF Candy offers a simple approach. This free PDF compressor is preferable to other methods because it provides more control over the result and has remarkable speed.
How to make your PDF size smaller with PDF Candy Desktop
- Download the PDF compressor for Windows and install it.
- Launch the app and select the "Compress PDF" tool from the main window.
- Click "Add file" to upload your document or drag and drop it into the area.
- Once you have your elements selected, specify the folder and press the green button.
- A progress bar will show up. When the process is done, a pop-up message will let you open the destination or edit the results.
Utilizing this PDF software is an excellent way to optimize for online sharing, storage, or printing without compromising on quality or speed.
Benefits of using PDF Candy Desktop
- The PDF compressor can be obtained and employed on any Windows version: 11, 10, 8, XP, and others.
- It has a simple, intuitive interface that renders effortlessly.
- It's incredibly fast - you can work on several PDFs in just one minute!
- The app supports all popular formats, including JPG, DOC, BMP, TIFF, GIF, etc., so you can optimize all kinds of content.
- It facilitates batch processing so you can work on multiple parts at once without any hassle.
Accessing a tool comes at no expense, so don't worry about spending money. But if you need the software for professional purposes, such as everyday batch tasks, you'd better buy the Pro version. By the way, it comes at a fairly affordable price.
Overall, PDF Candy Desktop is great for those seeking an effortless way to reduce their PDF file size without diminishing quality.
Option 2. Preview (Mac)
Do you have a large document that is consuming a lot of space on your Mac? If so, you can do it quickly in Preview. It is a built-in app on macOS devices that allows users to open and edit PDFs.
How to shrink PDF size with Preview
- Open the file with Preview.
- Click on the "File" menu and select "Export ...".
- In the "Quartz Filter" drop-down menu, choose "Reduce File Size".
- Enter a new name and press "Save".
- The result will be stored in a new size.
This PDF software also allows you to perform other adjustments, such as adding text and pictures, cropping and rotating PDF pages, and combining multiple elements into one.
Preview is a straightforward process to instantly minimize content for free while sustaining the quality or resolution of images inside your documents.
Option Adobe Acrobat (Windows, Mac)
The "Reduced Size PDF" option
Do you possess a bulky PDF that requires downsizing? Thankfully, Adobe Acrobat offers a straightforward method. The "Compress PDF" option is one of the ways of lowering it without compromising any of the clarity.
How to make a PDF smaller with "Reduced Size PDF" option of Adobe Acrobat
- Launch the PDF in the software.
- Go to the "Menu" and select "Save as Other" from the drop-down menu.
- Choose "Reduced Size PDF" among the available choices.
- Pick the version, rename the file, and click "Save".
The "Compress a PDF" option
The "Compress PDF" tool is a feature designed to decrease PDF file size. It provides users with a way to optimize for various purposes, such as easier sharing, faster uploads, or storage efficiency.
Let's examine the steps for this PDF size reducer:
- Open the program.
- Navigate to the "Tools" panel and select "Compress PDF".
- Press "Select a file" to import the needed PDF.
- Adjust settings, add extra elements, or make changes to the document.
- Tap "Single file" or "Multiple files" to start the process.
- Confirm your choice by clicking "OK" or "Apply".
Adobe's PDF compression and PDF editing are worth trying for their flexibility, quality retention, and integration into the Acrobat environment. However, users should be aware of the high subscription cost, and negative reviews, and be ready for a learning curve with the advanced options.
Files app (iOS)
If you have a large PDF that takes up a lot of storage on your iPhone or iPad, you can reduce its size in the Files app. This built-in tool on iOS devices offers a simple way to manage content.
How to make a PDF file smaller with the Files app on iOS
- Open the Files app and locate the document you want.
- Tap and hold its preview until a menu appears.
- Select "Quick Actions" and hit "Optimize File Size".
- After processing, you’ll have a new version saved in the same location.
This process efficiently reduces the size without compromising the quality, so it is easier to store or share. Additionally, the program offers other helpful features like organizing and quickly accessing from different locations.
We highly recommend downloading a desktop app to make a PDF smaller, as it lets you perform various operations offline. However, if you don’t want to go that route and need a quick way, try free online PDF compressors.
PDF Candy
PDF Candy is a versatile website that empowers people to effortlessly handle their documents. Offering a comprehensive suite of free PDF tools, it streamlines all tasks, from converting to merging.
How to make the PDF file smaller online with the PDF Candy website
- Open your web browser and go to the PDF size reducer.
- Click "Compress PDF" on the homepage.
- Employ the "Add File" button to upload the PDF. Alternatively, drag and drop it into the designated area.
- Set the new PDF level.
- Hit "Compress" to start the process.
- Once complete, use the provided icon to save the result to your computer.
There are two levels of PDF file compression. Maximum one makes the smallest elements, but at the cost of clarity. Recommended is perfect to get the balance between size and quality.
Adobe Document Cloud
Adobe's internet-based service is the workhorse for decreasing large sizes. The tool supports many different formats and provides excellent results without diminishing the integrity.
How to reduce PDF size online using Adobe Document Cloud
- Go to the tool.
- Press "Select a file" and upload the PDF from your computer or Google Drive/Dropbox account.
- Choose the desired output.
- Hit the "Compress" button.
- Wait for the procedure to finish and then click "Download".
Utilizing the web-based PDF compressor is easy, and it takes only a few moments to finish the task. Moreover, this method doesn't require any additional software or plugins, so you won't have any compatibility issues or slowdowns from having too many programs running at once.
SmallPDF
SmallPDF is an online platform that enables people to convert images to PDF, edit, and compress PDFs. It is compatible with all operating systems.
How to reduce size of PDF file online with SmallPDF
- Go to the website.
- Click "Choose File" and select what you wish.
- The tool will automatically switch your PDF.
- Download it and save it in a preferred location.
SmallPDF is a free tool that ensures compressing PDF files is easy. Plus, if you're looking for even more freedom, they offer a paid plan that gives you access to additional features.
iLovePDF
iLovePDF is an online service that provides a range of features for editing, converting, and combining PDFs. This makes it a versatile option for individuals and businesses dealing with PDFs regularly.
How to compress a PDF to a smaller size with the help of iLovePDF
- Go to the iLovePDF website.
- Locate the "Compress PDF" tool and press on it.
- Upload the PDF you need. You can use the button or drag and drop directly into the designated area.
- Depending on your preference, choose the level.
- Click "Compress PDF" to start the process. Once it's finished, save the document to your device.
iLovePDF offers a simple and efficient way to reduce the size of a PDF file online. The service offers different levels such as Extreme, Recommended, and Less, so you can select the appropriate option for your needs.
Other ways to make a PDF smaller
Diminishing the dimensions of your PDF files can help you store, share, and manage them more effectively. Here are a few quick suggestions get started:
- Remove unnecessary objects. If any element on the page aren't essential for printing or viewing the PDF, delete them. This can include deleting PDF pages, unnecessary text, images, and content that is irrelevant.
- Optimize fonts. Try font optimization tools to replace full ones with subset options. This only contains the characters, which will compress the PDF with no detriment to legibility.
- Convert to greyscale. If the PDF needs color grades for readability, consider converting it to greyscale instead of full color. This will make a significant reduction while still allowing people to read it without issue.
- Change format. Some pictures are larger than others, such as JPEG versus PNG or GIF. Change the format of all elements in the PDF to use a more efficient type if possible.
The above-mentioned advice should help you decrease the PDF size so that it can be shared with others. Begin by shrinking images and eliminating superfluous objects; then optimize fonts and convert to greyscale if needed prior to changing formats as a last option.
Benefits of reducing the size of a PDF
PDFs are an essential part of both personal and business life. They help to store content in a compact and secure format. However, large files can take up space and be difficult to send.
- Compressed PDFs are easier to attach to emails, lowering the likelihood of encountering limitations imposed by providers.
- Reduced size translates to less storage space required, particularly relevant for those dealing with numerous documents.
- When embedded in websites or shared through the internet, smaller PDFs load faster, providing quicker access to content for users.
- They are better suited for web viewing, ensuring a smoother experience when accessing on websites or in applications.
In summary, shrinking the PDF file size offers practical advantages, including faster upload and download speeds, easier sharing, and optimized capacity. Such benefits collectively contribute to a more streamlined and efficient digital management experience.
Conclusion
Overall, there are many methods that can make a PDF smaller. Following these tips will ensure that you have a compressed and high-quality file that won't strain your computer's resources or take up too much disk space.
With careful attention and consideration of all the elements, your PDFs are optimized and ready for any situation.
FAQ
- Is it necessary to remove images from my PDF to reduce file size?
- Not necessarily. While quality or unnecessary pictures can contribute, it's important to find a balance that maintains readability and visual integrity.
- How do I choose the right level?
- It depends on your preferences and the intended use of the document. Many PDF compressors provide options to customize settings. Experiment with different levels to find the balance between size and quality that suits your needs.
- Can I work on a password-protected PDF?
- In most cases, these programs can process such PDFs. However, some tools may require you to remove the password from PDF beforehand for optimal results.
- Will compressing a PDF remove hyperlinks?
- Annotations are generally preserved during the process. However, it's advisable to preview the PDF so that these elements are retained.
- Can I revert to the original PDF after compression?
- It's recommended to keep a backup of your original. This ensures that you can return to it if needed, especially when testing different settings.
- What’s the difference between compressing a PDF and optimizing it?
- The first typically refers to reducing the size by using algorithms that shrink the data, often by discarding some content or details. Optimization, on the other hand, involves refining the structure—this may include removing some elements.
- How does the PDF version impact?
- Older PDF types may contain less efficient methods, leading to larger content. Newer ones (e.g., PDF 2.0) often come with improved algorithms and better support for features like object streams.
Editor-in-Chief at Icecream Apps
Co-authors
Expert Tech Writer
