How to Compress a PDF File: 4 Easy Tricks on PC & Mac

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A step-by-step guide to making your PDF smaller and more portable
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If the PDF you're working on is too large to email or takes up too much space on your computer, you can compress it to reduce its file size. Compressing a PDF reduces its quality, which makes its file size smaller. Try Adobe's free online PDF compressor to compress a PDF for free, or use Preview if you're on a Mac. If you subscribe to Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can compress a PDF using the Optimize PDF tool. You can also reduce a PDF's size by compressing it with Microsoft Word. This wikiHow guide will teach you quick and easy ways to reduce the size of a PDF file by compressing it.

Things You Should Know

  • Even if you don't pay for Adobe Acrobat Pro, you can use Adobe's online PDF compressor for free.
  • If you have a Mac, you can compress a PDF by reducing its size in Preview.
  • You can open a PDF in Microsoft Word and compress it, or save a Word document as a compressed PDF.
Method 1
Method 1 of 4:

Using Adobe Online Compressor

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    Go to https://www.adobe.com/acrobat/online/compress-pdf.html in a web browser. Adobe now offers a free online PDF compression tool that makes it easy to reduce the size of large PDF files.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-2-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-2-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-2-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-2-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Alternatively, you can click Select a file and double-click the PDF file you want to compress.
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  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-3-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-3-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0d\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-3-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-3-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The High option will result in the smallest file with standard quality, while Low will only compress the PDF a small amount. If you're not sure which option to choose, opt for Medium compression.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-4-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-4-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-4-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-4-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This compresses your PDF and creates a download link.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-5-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-5-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-5-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-5-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The PDF is now compressed to a smaller size.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 4:

Using Preview on Mac

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-10-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-10-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/09\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-10-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-10-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":344,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":545,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Navigate to the PDF file on your Mac, then double-click it to open it in Preview by default. Alternatively, you can use the following steps to open a PDF in Preview:
    • Click Preview on the Launchpad to open the app.
    • Click File in the menu bar at the top.
    • Click Open... in the drop-down menu.
    • Select a file in the dialog box.
    • Click Open .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-11-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-11-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-11-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-11-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":342,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":542,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-12-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-12-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-12-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-12-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":547,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's near the middle of the drop-down menu. A dialog box will open.
    • Be sure not to choose "Export as PDF," as you won't have the option to compress it that way.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":347,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":549,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you want to create a new name for the compressed PDF, type it next to "Export as."
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the drop-down menu next to "Quartz Filter" to select "Reduce File Size." [1]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ad\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use the drop-down menu next to "Where:" to select a location to save the file. By default, it will be saved to your desktop.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/98\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":346,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":548,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The compressed PDF has been saved on your Mac.
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Method 3
Method 3 of 4:

Using Adobe Acrobat Pro

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/cc\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-13-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you subscribe to Adobe Acrobat Pro , you can use its built-in tools to compress any PDF file on your PC or Mac. To get started, open Adobe Acrobat Pro.
    • There's no need to open your PDF just yet—just launch Acrobat Pro for now.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-14-Version-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-14-Version-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c5\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-14-Version-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-14-Version-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You'll see it at the top-left corner of Acrobat.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5f\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-15-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To do this, find the "Optimize PDF" icon under "Protect & Standardize," click its drop-down menu, then select Open . The "Open" dialog will expand.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a5\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-16-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your PDF will now open in Acrobat. [2]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2b\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-17-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This button is in the toolbar just above your PDF's preview.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-18-Version-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-18-Version-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a8\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-18-Version-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-18-Version-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    In most cases, you should choose Retain Existing here to ensure your PDF will be compatible with the latest version of Acrobat. Alternatively, you can choose a different version of Acrobat now. [3]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":348,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":550,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you want to overwrite the existing PDF instead of creating a separate optimized version, you can save the PDF with the same file name in the current folder. Enter a new name for the PDF file and click Save to create your smaller PDF file.
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Method 4
Method 4 of 4:

Using Microsoft Word

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  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-20-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-20-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/de\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-20-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-20-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Using Microsoft Word, you can export any document as a compressed PDF file. You can open an existing PDF in Word to use this compression tool or start with a regular Word doc .
    • If you open a PDF in Word, it may not retain all of its original formatting.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-21-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-21-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/31\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-21-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-21-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It's at the top-left corner of the window.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-22-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-22-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-22-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-22-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-23-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-23-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-23-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-23-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're using Windows, click this button on the right panel to export the document as a PDF.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-24-Version-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-24-Version-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-24-Version-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-24-Version-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you're using a Mac, you'll see this option near the bottom of the window. [4] If you're using Windows, PDF should already be selected next to "Save As type."
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25-Version-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25-Version-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25-Version-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-25-Version-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    At the bottom of the window, you'll see two options for compression. To compress the PDF to a smaller size, choose Minimum size (Windows) or Best for electronic distribution and accessibility (Mac).
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-26.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-26.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c3\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-26.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-26.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To overwrite the existing PDF file, keep the same name and folder. Otherwise, you can modify the file name and/or choose a different folder now.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-27.jpg\/v4-460px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-27.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/54\/Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-27.jpg\/v4-728px-Compress-a-PDF-File-Step-27.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This saves a compressed version of the PDF to the selected location.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I compress any PDF to 200 KB?
    Community Answer
    You can't. A PDF can only be compressed so far. If you have some file size limit, your best alternative is to upload it to a cloud service.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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    Not Helpful 24 Helpful 10
  • Question
    Of these options, which are lossless and which are lossy? (ie. which is best for text pdfs)?
    Neelam Jain
    Community Answer
    The text in PDF is mostly gzip compressed. Hence, there will not be any significant gain by any compression technique. The compression level is dependent on the size/resolution of images in PDF. This is a lossy compression where images inside PDF are compressed. I have generally used miniimagesvideos.com/pdf for high compression ratio. There could be some gain in PDF due to removal of some of the unwanted objects in PDF. However, this will not be significant.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.apple.com/sr-rs/guide/preview/prvw1509/mac
      2. ↑ https://creativecloud.adobe.com/learn/acrobat/web/compress-pdf
      3. ↑ https://helpx.adobe.com/acrobat/using/optimizing-pdfs-acrobat-pro.html
      4. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-gb/office/save-or-convert-to-pdf-or-xps-in-office-desktop-apps-d85416c5-7d77-4fd6-a216-6f4bf7c7c110#ID0EBBH=macOS

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      1. Go to https://smallpdf.com/compress-pdf .
      2. Click Choose file .
      3. Select the PDF.
      4. Click Open .
      5. Select "Basic Compression" and click Choose Option .
      6. Click Download .

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