Dealing with large file sizes is one of the major hurdles when it comes to working with PDFs. We get it — it’s a rolling-your-eyes case. But you’re not alone. The need to compress PDF files often arises if you're low on storage space or just want to send a file to your teammate or teacher.
But before we explore the intricacies of file compression, let's tackle some basic questions: What is a PDF file made of? And why do we need to reduce its size?
Understanding PDF files and compression
Ever find yourself waiting forever for a PDF file to download, even though it's only a few pages? Or you've split your PDF and noticed some pages are missing. Sounds familiar, right? Well, before you start looking for a PDF compressor, it's important to get a grasp on how the file size is spread out among the various components.
What is a PDF file composed of?
PDF documents often contain more than just plain text. We’re talking about:
- interactive elements such as annotations, links, form fields, bookmarks, etc.;
- embedded fonts;
- rich media (images or video);
- file attachments;
- document overhead, alongside various low-level elements such as extended graphics states and structural information;
- PDF form data.
5 common reasons PDF files get too large
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- Images. High-resolution images or illustrations significantly contribute to a document's overall file size, which can make your PDF document too large.
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- Fonts. These are more than just simple design features and can be pretty deceptive in how bulky they are.
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- Embedded files. Various file types can be attached to your PDF, adding to its size.
- 4
- File type. The file format you start with impacts the size of the final PDF; converting from an image format like JPG or PNG tends to result in a larger file size than converting from Word or DOC.
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- Software. If you're working with PDFs using older software versions, you might notice that the files are larger than expected.
Why is it useful to reduce a PDF file size?
Faster uploading and downloading. Handling large PDF files can be quite a headache, especially when they slow down uploads and downloads. However, things can speed up significantly if you compress PDF files. This is especially helpful for teams that often need to share big documents across their network.
Better collaboration. Compressing PDFs ensures that your files fit within the size limits of various services. That means easy sharing via email or online platforms without any hindrances.
Improved storage management. Storing big files means having to make a tough choice — using up a lot of your hard disk space. When you're dealing with documents, whether it's on cloud platforms or local servers, shrinking your PDF files can be a real space saver. And yes, that’s how you reduce costs too.
Enhanced accessibility. Smaller PDF files make it much easier to manage your documents on the go, whether using a smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
How to determine the size of your PDF document
Once your PDF is saved on the device, you can easily check its size. Just hover your mouse over and click on the file. Now, go to Get Info/Properties from the menu (depending on the OS you’re using) — and find the section that indicates the size of your PDF document.
How to reduce a PDF file size using PDF Guru?
Our all-in-one online tool can tackle this task in no time at all. Here’s what you need:
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- Log into your account and choose the Compress PDF tool.
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- Upload or drag & drop your file into the designated area.
- 3
- Our PDF compressor will swiftly reduce your PDF file size.
- 4
- The resulting file will then appear in the Downloads folder and your account.
You can also edit, sign, and convert PDFs with just a few clicks. Explore the vast array of tools we provide for effortless document management.
How to compress PDFs on Windows?
This OS doesn't have a dedicated compression tool. However, there is a roundabout way to reduce file size:
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- Right-click a PDF file you want to compress.
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- Choose Send to from the menu bar.
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- Select Compressed (zipped) folder.
And now you have a compressed zip folder with your files which you can unpack at any time. This method is great for saving space but inconvenient when you need quick access to the zipped files.
How to compress PDFs on Mac?
Good news for Mac users — you’ve got a built-in app called Preview that can function as a PDF compressor. You need to:
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- Open your PDF file in the Preview app.
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- Choose File and then Export.
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- Go to the Quartz Filter pop-up menu and choose Reduce File Size.
How to compress a PDF file on iPhone?
iOS Files app can help you with that. Here are the steps:
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- Navigate to the Files app on your iPhone and select the PDF document.
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- Tap & hold over a PDF document, and choose Quick Actions > Optimize File Size.
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- Compressed file version will be autosaved on your device.
How to reduce PDF size in Google Drive?
When you download several folders or files from Google Drive onto your computer, Google Drive bundles them into a single zip folder. That’s how you make sharing easier.
How to compress PDFs for an email?
When you're working with a single large file, PDF Guru is your best bet — just follow the steps outlined above. However, if you find yourself juggling multiple PDFs, it's better to compress them into a zip file. This method not only accelerates the upload and download process but also simplifies things for the recipient.
Seeking a PDF compressor online? Our PDF Guru tool is the one. We’re constantly upgrading our features, eliminating the need for you to look elsewhere.
