How to Reduce PDF File Size Easily

Reduce PDF file sizes for easier sharing.

When you create a PDF document file with Adobe Acrobat software, the program automatically compresses the data, graphics and images in the file. If you’ve created a PDF version of a lengthy document, the PDF file size might still be too large for you to email comfortably, or to upload to your website so that visitors can view the document online. To reduce PDF file size quickly and easily, use Adobe Acrobat's size reduction feature.

Instructions

1. Launch Adobe Acrobat, click “File” and “Open,” then open the PDF document that you want to reduce in size.

2. Select “Choose Document” in the main menu, then click “Reduce File Size” in the drop-down menu.

3. Choose your preferred Adobe Reader version compatibility from the list of compatibility options. This controls which versions of Adobe Reader software will let you view the PDF file. Select compatibility for all versions of Adobe Reader if you intend to email the PDF, or distribute it on a flash drive or removable media. Web browsers automatically load the latest version of Adobe Reader, so set compatibility for just the most recent version of Adobe reader if you intend to upload the PDF to a website for online viewing.

4. Click “OK.” Type a name for the compressed PDF document into the Name input box. Set a computer save location for the output file. Click the “OK” button. This compresses the file and reduces the size of the PDF document.

Tips & Warnings

• Reducing the size of your PDF file will also reduce the resolution of graphics and images. On some photos and graphics, this might lead to slight pixelation of the image.

• Reducing the size of your PDF file also reduces the resolution of graphics and images. On some photos and graphics, this might lead to slight pixelation of the image.

References

• Adobe Acrobat 9: Reduce File Size by Saving

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Read this Article in Spanish
• Adobe Acrobat 9: Web Help