How can I make a PDF file smaller?


When you add digital photos and other media to a PDF document, the file size can grow very quickly, making it hard to share.

There are many options available to help you reduce the size of your PDF file.

Table of Contents

Before you've created the PDF file

It might be too late this time - but did you know when creating a PDF file from a Word, Excel or PowerPoint document, there is an option to reduce the file size?

Learn how to save as a PDF using an Office program

Using Adobe Acrobat Pro on a Deakin computer

You can use Adobe Acrobat Pro, which is available on all Deakin University computers, and to staff who are eligible for a home use subscription to Creative Cloud.

Learn how to reduce PDF size using Adobe Acrobat Pro

A quick way to reduce the size is to print the PDF as a black and white, lower quality file.

To do this:

  1. Tick Print in grayscale (black and white)
  2. Select the Properties button and then select the Paper/Quality tab
  3. Select Black & White
  4. Select the Advanced
  5. Under Graphic, change the Print Quality to either 600dpi or 300dpi. Select OK, and then OK
  6. Select Print and save the generated file.


Online using a PDF compression website (no installation required)

A PDF compression website is the easiest way to reduce the size of your PDF file. Simply upload your file to the website; the website will create a smaller version of your file and then allow you to re-download it.

If the information in the PDF is sensitive or subject to privacy laws or concerns, do not use these online services. In these cases, please use one of the software options to compress the file on your computer.

Some recommended websites to try are:

 

Using free software on your own computer

If you are not using a Deakin computer, but would still like to install software to compress PDF files;