PDF is an indispensable file format used by millions of people globally.
It provides an excellent solution for preserving the original formatting of a document and is widely used for sharing files.
PDF files are often quite large, making it challenging to share and store them.
In this blog post, we will be discussing how to compress a PDF on Mac.
Compressing PDF files can help reduce their size, making them more manageable and easier to share.
How to compress a pdf on mac
There are several methods you can use to compress PDF files on a Mac, and we’ll be exploring the best of them.
Method 1: Compress PDF Files using Preview
Preview is a pre-installed application on Mac computers, and it can be used to compress PDF files.
This method is straightforward and ideal for those who prefer to use the built-in Mac tools. Here are the steps to follow:
- Open the PDF file you want to compress in Preview.
- Click on “File” and select “Export.”
- In the “Export As” field, select “PDF” as the format.
- Click on the “Quartz Filter” dropdown and select “Reduce File Size.”
- Give the compressed file a new name and select a location to save it.
- Click “Save.”
Preview will reduce the file size without compromising the quality of your document. This method is simple and fast, making it ideal for basic PDF compression.
Method 2: Compress PDF using Adobe Acrobat
Adobe Acrobat is a powerful PDF editing tool that can also help you compress your documents.
If you have Adobe Acrobat installed on your Mac, here’s how to use it to compress a PDF:
- Open the PDF file you want to compress in Adobe Acrobat.
- Click on “File” and select “Save As Other.”
- Select “Reduced Size PDF.”
- In the “Reduced Size PDF” window, select the compression options you prefer.
- You can choose to remove embedded fonts, images, and other multimedia elements to reduce the file size.
- Give the compressed file a new name and select a location to save it.
- Click “Save.”
Adobe Acrobat is a comprehensive PDF editor and offers more advanced compression options than Preview.
If you need more control over the compression process, this is the method you should use.
Method 3: Compress PDF using an Online Compression Tool
Online compression tools are web-based tools that allow you to compress PDFs without having to install any software.
Here’s how to use an online compression tool:
- Go to an online compression tool such as SmallPDF or CompressPDF.
- Upload the PDF you want to compress.
- The tool will automatically compress the file and provide you with a download link for the compressed file.
- Download the compressed file and save it to your Mac.
Online compression tools are convenient and fast, but they also come with some risks.
When you upload a PDF to an online compression tool, you’re sending your data to a third-party server.
It’s important to choose a reputable online compression tool and to be mindful of the security of your data.
Conclusion
Compressing a PDF on Mac is a simple and effective way to reduce the size of your document without sacrificing quality.
Whether you use Preview, Adobe Acrobat, or an online compression tool, the process is straightforward, and you should be able to complete it in just a few steps.
Compressed PDFs are easier to share, store, and upload, so don’t hesitate to give it a try.
