Optimizing PDFs Part 1

Optimizing PDFs Part 1

Acrobat reduces the size of a PDF file without compromising quality. The Acrobat PDF compression tool balances an optimized file size against the expected quality of images, fonts, and other file content.

Save using PDF optimizer (Acrobat Pro)

PDF Optimizer provides many settings for reducing the size of PDF files. Some of the PDF Optimizer settings are comparable to the settings that are available when you create a PDF file using Distiller. You can use all of these settings or only a few. It depends on how you intend to use the files and the essential properties a file must have.

Usually, the default settings are suitable for achieving maximum efficiency. It includes saving space by removing embedded fonts, compressing images, and removing redundant items from the file. Before optimizing a file, it’s a good idea to audit its space usage. The space audit results may provide insights into the possibilities of reducing file size. You can also reduce the size of your PDF by using the Reduce File Size command.

Note
  • Some methods of compression may make images unusable in a print production workflow. You should experiment with various settings before making changes that can’t be discarded.
  • The PDF Optimizer isn’t available when Reflow is selected in the View menu.

Audit the space usage of a PDF (Acrobat Pro)

The space usage audit reports the total number of bytes used for specific document elements. It includes fonts, images, bookmarks, forms, named destinations, comments, and the total file size. The results are reported in bytes and as a percentage of the total file size.

  1. From the hamburger menu  (Windows) or the File menu (macOS), select Save As Other > Optimized PDF, or go to All tools > Compress a PDF, and then select Advanced Optimization. The PDF Optimizer dialog opens.

  2. Select Audit space usage in the dialog.

Note

You can also audit space usage of a PDF in the Content pane. Choose the hamburger menu  (Windows) > View, or the View menu (macOS) and then select Show/Hide > Side panels > Content. From the Content pane options menu, choose Audit Space Usage.

Optimize a PDF (Acrobat Pro)

Reduce file size of a PDF:

  1. 1. Open a PDF in Acrobat.

  2. 2. From the hamburger menu  (Windows) or the File menu (macOS), select Save As Other > Reduced Size PDF.

  3. 3. Select Yes in the confirmation dialog box. 

  4. 4. Choose the location to save the file and select Save. Acrobat displays a message showing the successful reduction in PDF size.

Reduce file size of multiple PDFs:

  1. 1. Go to All tools > Compress a PDF and select Multiple files.

  2. 2. In the Arrange documents dialog, select Add Files > Add Files.

    Select and add files

  3. 3. In the Add Files dialog, select the files you want to add, and confirm.

  4. 4. Select the desired version compatibility, and then select OK.

    Note

    If you’re certain that all your users use Acrobat or Acrobat Reader, limiting compatibility to the latest version can further reduce file size.

  5. 5. In the Output Options dialog, specify your folder and filename preferences.

Advanced Option to Compress PDF to a specific size:

  1. 1. From the hamburger menu  (Windows), or the File menu (macOS), select Save As Other > Optimized PDF, or go to All tools > Compress a PDF, and then select Advanced Optimization. The PDF Optimizer dialog opens.

  2. 2. To use the default settings, choose Standard from the Settings menu, and then skip to step 6. If you change any settings in the PDF Optimizer dialog box, the Settings menu automatically switches to Custom.

  3. 3. From the Make compatible with menu, choose Retain existing to keep the current PDF version, or choose an Acrobat version. (The options available in panels vary depending on this choice.)

  4. 4. Select the check box next to a panel (for example, Images, Fonts, Transparency), and then select options in that panel. To disable options in a panel, deselect the corresponding check box.

  5. 5. (Optional) To save your customized settings, select Save and name the settings. (To delete a saved setting, choose it in the Settings menu and select Delete.)

  6. 6. After choosing the desired options, select OK.

  7. 7. In the Save Optimized As dialog box, select Save to overwrite the original PDF with the optimized PDF, or select a new name or location.

Note

To optimize several documents at the same time, use the Output options for the Actions wizard.

Compress PDF without unembedding fonts:

Embedding fonts in a document means including the font file within the document so the recipient can view it properly, even if they don't have the same fonts installed on their device. You can choose not to unembed fonts while compressing a PDF:

  1. 1. Open the PDF in Acrobat you want to compress.

  2. 2. From the All tools pane, select Compress a PDF > Advanced Optimization.

  3. 3. From the PDF Optimizer window, select Fonts. If the options are unavailable, select the checkbox next to Fonts.

  4. 4. Select the checkbox Do not unembed any font. Then select OK. 



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