PDF document sizes can vary a lot. Large PDF files can be difficult to store or share. The best way to reduce PDF file size is with Acrobat professional. But you can also use Preview to compress a PDF file. Here is how:
Steps
1. Open Preview (applications folder)
2. Select File > Open, select the PDF file, then click Open.
3. Choose File > Export, choose Reduce File Size from the Quartz Filter menu, and save the new PDF file.
Note: You can also follow these steps using the ColorSync utility. Simply open the PDF file in ColorSync and select ‘reduce File Size’.
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Sailor says
Thanks for the information on PDFs using my older mac with OS X. Had some trouble sending a particularly large and detailed file (a map) and this article did the trick!
Howard says
This is a great tip. However the default options are very basic. One doesn’t reduce much and the other reduces too much.
This is a great way to make your own middle quality filter:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-57585353-263/how-to-create-custom-pdf-compression-filters-in-os-x/
Gene Espensen says
I’m sorry this is NOT a sure fire PDF reduction method. For smaller files which you failed to mention the file size can go up. I haven’t tested to find the breakpoint, but you shouldn’t generate processes without testing them in all conditions. Very poor process.
lookmomnohands says
Only the worst possible way to reduce the size of a scanned document! And by the way, is this new to anyone?