Best Ways to Reduce PDF File Size: Make PDFs Smaller

The flexibility of PDF makes it widely used for documents and presentations. Nonetheless, a disadvantage of large PDF files is their inefficiency for storage and transmission, as seen when sending emails or uploading to other online portals. This is the reason why reducing the size of PDF files not only makes them easier to work with but also eliminates a number of complexities.

This article aims to discuss methods of compressing PDF file size using online and offline solutions. We’ll also introduce a professional solution through one of the best PDF editors that you can use for Windows in 2024.

Manual Methods to Reduce PDF File Size

Method 1: Use Adobe Acrobat’s Built-in Compression Tool

Using the Adobe Acrobat program is the best way to limit PDF size. This tool is flexible and boasts numerous features and better output quality. If your PC is preloaded with Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, you can use its compression feature to reduce the PDF file size.

Steps to Reduce PDF Size:

1. Open your PDF in Adobe Acrobat.
2. Go to the File menu and select Save As Other.
3. Choose Reduced Size PDF.

4. In the pop-up window, select the required compatibility version (lower versions tend to reduce size more effectively).
5. Click OK and save your file.

Advantages:

• High-quality compression with minimal data loss
• Maintain compatibility with older versions of Adobe Reader

Disadvantages:

• Requires an Adobe Acrobat Pro subscription for full functionality
• Limited control over the degree of compression

Method 2: Reduce Image Resolution in PDFs

Another effective manual method is to adjust the image resolution in your PDF. Many PDFs are large due to embedded high-resolution images. If your PDF software has the optimize option, you can reduce the image file size in the PDF.

Steps to Reduce Image Size:

1. Open your PDF in the PDF editor that allows image modification.
2. Go to the Edit mode and select the images.

3. Reduce the image resolution.
4. Click Create to save your PDF with the lower image resolution.

Advantages:

• Reduces the file size significantly, especially for image-heavy PDFs
• No special tools are required

Disadvantages:

• May lead to a noticeable reduction in image quality
• Requires a manual process for each image

Method 3: Use Online PDF Compressors

For a quick and easy solution, online PDF compressors offer a convenient option without the need for software installation.

Recommended Free Online Tools:

• Adobe Acrobat: Trusted and efficient online PDF compression
• SmallPDF: Offers free compression with high-quality output
• ILovePDF: Allows batch compression with decent speed
• PDFCompressor: Known for its simplicity and effectiveness

Steps to Reduce PDF File Size Online:

1. Go to the chosen online PDF compressor’s website.

2. Upload your PDF file.

3. Choose the compression level (most tools offer different levels like Basic, Strong, or Extreme compression).
4. Click on the Compress button and wait for the conversion.
5. Download the compressed PDF file.

Advantages:

• No need to install software
• Free and easy to use

Disadvantages:

• Files are uploaded to an external server, raising security and privacy concerns
• Output quality might vary depending on the tool used

Method 4: Use Systweak PDF Editor for Efficient Compression

The three manual methods mentioned above are effective, but each comes with certain drawbacks such as limited compression levels, quality loss, or subscription requirements. This is where Systweak PDF Editor comes in as a robust, efficient tool for compressing PDF files without compromising quality.

Systweak PDF Editor is an easy-to-use software solution designed to help users to sort and modify PDF files with ease. A special focus is the effectiveness of PDF size compression, which makes this program suitable for both professional and personal users.

Key Features:

• One-click PDF Compression: Simplifies the process of reducing PDF file size.
• Batch Processing: Compress multiple PDFs simultaneously.
• Customizable Compression Levels: Choose between different compression modes for the best balance between file size and quality.
• Efficient Editing Features: Intuitive editing features help you add, edit, create, and modify your PDF smoothly.
• Retain Original Quality: Compress files without significant data loss.

How to Reduce PDF File Size Using Systweak PDF Editor?

Systweak PDF Editor makes it incredibly easy to reduce PDF size on Windows. Follow these simple steps to get started:

1. Download and install Systweak PDF Editor from the official website.
2. Open the Systweak PDF Editor and open the PDF file you want to compress.

3. In the top menu, select the Compress PDF option.

4. Choose your desired compression level from the available options (Low, Medium, High).

5. Click Compress and let it go through the compression process.

6. Once the process is complete, click Open to access and save the file. By default, the file is already saved in your default folder.

Advantages:

• User-friendly Interface: Designed for ease of use with intuitive navigation
• No Quality Loss: Advanced algorithms ensure minimal quality degradation, even with high compression levels

Disadvantages:

• A one-time purchase or subscription is required to use advanced features

Conclusion

When dealing with a big PDF filled with images or needing to make your document more shareable, reducing file size is an essential step. If you need to, you can select from any of the manual procedures including Adobe Acrobat, altering image resolution, or using online compression tools. Systweak PDF Editor proves to be the ideal solution for a more thorough and trustworthy answer. It is important for anyone dealing with PDFs regularly because it boasts features for efficient compression, which helps keep your files smaller while still preserving high quality.