How to Compress a PDF Without Ruining It
Email services often block attachments over 20 or 25 MB, and many upload forms accept even less. Compressing is the fastest fix. It helps to know what makes a PDF big in the first place.
Why PDFs get large
Text takes very little space. Pictures take a lot. A scanned document is really a stack of photos, so a ten page scan can be bigger than a hundred page text report. Embedded fonts and old editing history can add weight too.
Three ways to make a PDF smaller
- Shrink the pictures. This is the best method for most files. Text stays sharp and selectable. In Compress PDF this is the Recommended level.
- Use a stronger setting. The Strong level lowers image quality further. It is fine for reading on screen.
- Turn pages into pictures. The Maximum level gives the smallest file, but the text can no longer be selected or searched. Use it for scans you only need to look at.
What if it will not get smaller?
A PDF made from plain text is already tiny. If the tool tells you it cannot be reduced, try splitting the file into two parts with Split PDF and send them separately.
Tips
- Always keep the original. Compression cannot be undone.
- Check the result before sending. Open it and zoom in on small print.
- Merge first and compress last, so you only compress once.