Minimizing PDF File Size

When sending PDFs through email or placing them on your website, smaller is always better. A bloated PDF frustrates recipients and slows page loads. Here are several techniques to minimize PDF file size.

General Practices

Before you even create the PDF, these habits help:

Use images sparingly
Keep image resolution at 150 ppi or less for screen viewing
Reduce the number of fonts used in the document

Set Parameters in Microsoft Office

If you're converting a Word, Excel, or PowerPoint document to PDF, the export settings matter:

Select File → Save As
In the format list, choose PDF
Next to Optimize for, select Minimum size
Click Save

For MS Publisher, the option is under Publish Options → Minimum Size in the same Save As dialog.

Reduce File Size in Adobe Acrobat

If you have Adobe Acrobat (not just the free Reader), you can reduce an existing PDF's size further:

Open the file in Adobe Acrobat
Go to File → Reduce File Size (or Save as Other → Reduced Size PDF in newer versions)
Select the highest compatible Reader version for your audience
Click OK and save

For more control, Acrobat's PDF Optimizer (under Advanced or Tools) lets you fine-tune exactly which elements to compress.

Free Online Option: Smallpdf

Smallpdf.com lets you compress a PDF directly in your browser — no software to download. Drag your file in, download the compressed version. Simple and effective for occasional use.

Free Desktop Option: PrimoPDF

PrimoPDF is a free Windows utility that installs as a virtual printer. From any program, choose File → Print, select the PrimoPDF printer, choose Screen quality, and click Create PDF. The resulting file is optimized for small size.