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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Obsessed with tech since the early arrival of A/UX on Apple, Sudz (SK) is responsible for the editorial direction of AppleToolBox. He is based out of Los Angeles, CA.
Sudz specializes in covering all things macOS, having reviewed dozens of OS X and macOS developments over the years.
In a former life, Sudz worked helping Fortune 100 companies with their technology and business transformation aspirations.
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Sailor says
December 23, 2017 at 8:31 AMThanks 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
November 11, 2013 at 3:46 PMThis 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
November 10, 2013 at 7:12 PMI’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
November 10, 2013 at 2:45 AMOnly the worst possible way to reduce the size of a scanned document! And by the way, is this new to anyone?