What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Some links on this page are affiliate links: if you buy through them we may earn a commission, at no extra cost to you.
To make a PDF smaller, save a compressed copy with Adobe Acrobat or, on a Mac, use Preview’s Reduce File Size Quartz filter. Start with the least aggressive option that meets your email, upload, screen-viewing or print requirement, then check the copy: stronger compression can reduce image quality, and the amount saved depends on what the PDF contains. Keep the original until you have confirmed the compressed file works.
What does PDF compression change?
PDF compression reduces the space used by a document’s contents. The largest savings often come from image data: a PDF containing full-resolution screenshots, artwork or scanned pages has more image information to reduce than a text-only PDF. A text-only file may shrink very little.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
Compression can also remove unnecessary embedded data, such as redundant objects or editing information, and adjust how images or fonts are stored. The precise changes depend on the tool and its settings. A smaller file is not automatically a better file: reducing image resolution or using lossy compression can permanently discard pixel data, and aggressive settings can make small text in screenshots or diagrams hard to read.
Adobe says its compressor can reduce some typical image-heavy PDFs by more than 50–80%, depending on the file and compression setting. That is a vendor estimate for some files, not a guaranteed saving or an independent benchmark. There is no universal percentage to expect; compare the resulting file size and quality against your own requirements.
#1 Best Overall
- BLUE LIGHT BLOCKING GLASSES: Our blue light glasses for women boast UV400 protection, blocking harmful blue rays from computer screens. With these bluelight glasses women, you can enjoy gaming, reading, or watching TV with no worries of eye strain.
- EYE RELIEF: Our blue light glasses are engineered to reduce blurry vision or strain caused by prolonged screen time. These womens blue light glasses aid in better sleep by preventing blue light from disrupting your natural sleep cycle, helping you fall asleep faster and enjoy a more restful night's sleep, making them the perfect christmas present.
- COMFORTABLE: Crafted from durable material, our trendy blue light glasses for woman or blue light glasses men ensure long-lasting comfort. The high-transmittance lenses accessories, gamer gifts for men, help keep your eyes relaxed. Perfect stocking stuffers, gifts for gamers men, christmas gifts for men, halloween costumes.
- LIGHTWEIGHT: These clear blue light glasses feature a lightweight frame, meaning they’ll stay comfy for long-term wear. Perfect as blue blockers glasses for women or mens blue light glasses, these non-prescription fake glasses for men can be worn throughout the day. The blue light blocking glasses women feature polycarbonate HD lenses, which are anti-reflective and restore true color.
- WORRY-FREE PURCHASE: If you experience any issues, our support team is ready to assist you quickly. These are the perfect costume glasses for cosplay dressing up.
Which compression method should I use?
Choose a workflow based on your device, how much control you need and whether you can upload the file. Acrobat offers a quick desktop reduction, a more detailed optimizer, and a web compressor. Mac Preview has a built-in export filter. If the source is an editable Word document, reducing image data there before exporting can also help.
| Method | Where to find it | Useful when |
|---|---|---|
| Acrobat desktop: Reduced Size PDF | Windows: Menu > Save as Other > Reduced Size PDF. macOS: File > Save as Other > Reduced Size PDF. | You want a quick reduction, or need to apply the same dialog to multiple files. |
| Acrobat desktop: Advanced Optimization | All tools > Compress a PDF > Advanced Optimization. | You need finer control over image, font or transparency settings. Adobe documents this workflow for Acrobat Pro, Premium and Studio desktop editions. |
| Acrobat on the web | Convert > Compress a PDF. | You want to compress a file in a browser and download the result. |
| Mac Preview | File > Export > Quartz Filter > Reduce File Size. | You want to use the compression filter built into macOS Preview. |
Online compression means selecting and uploading the PDF to a web tool. For a confidential document, or one you are not permitted to upload, prefer a local desktop workflow. The tools also differ in how much control they expose: a preset is simpler, while advanced image settings let you tune the trade-off more closely.
How do I reduce a PDF in Acrobat desktop?
For a first attempt, use Acrobat’s Reduced Size PDF command. It saves a new copy with a compatibility target; you can use the same dialog for multiple files.
- Keep the source file. Work from a copy or choose a new output filename so you can return to the original if the result is too soft, incomplete or incompatible.
- Open the reduction command. On Windows, select Menu > Save as Other > Reduced Size PDF. On macOS, select File > Save as Other > Reduced Size PDF.
- Choose an Acrobat compatibility version. The compatibility choice affects which readers can open the file and how much reduction is possible. If recipients use older PDF readers, consider that before selecting a newer compatibility target.
- Save the compressed copy. Give it a distinct name, then compare its file size with the original. A smaller result is useful only if it still meets your needs.
- Check the output. Open the new file and inspect the pages and features that matter for its intended use before sending or uploading it.
To apply the same process to several PDFs, use the multiple-file option in the Reduced Size PDF dialog. The files may not all shrink by the same amount: a set of image-heavy documents can respond differently from text-focused ones.
Rank #2
- WINDEX GAMING WIPES: effortlessly clean all your gaming gear and gaming electronics in one easy step with our new Windex Gaming Wipes
- AMMONIA FREE: our ammonia-free formula is safe to use on all of your favorite gaming equipment like consoles, headsets, controllers, screens, keyboards, and more
- PRE-MOISTENED WIPES: each wipe instantly removes dust, dirt, and stubborn smudges and fingerprints leaving a streak-free shine
- ANTI-STATIC: great for cleaning and wiping down your gaming gear and electronics leaving behind no visible residue
- COMPACT RESEALABLE PACKAGE: store your pack of Windex Gaming Wipes anywhere in your home for whenever a quick and easy wipedown is needed
How can I get more control over Acrobat compression?
Use Advanced Optimization when the basic reduction is not enough or when you need to adjust the treatment of images and other PDF components. Adobe documents it under All tools > Compress a PDF > Advanced Optimization in the Acrobat Pro, Premium and Studio desktop editions.
- Open the PDF and choose All tools > Compress a PDF.
- Select Advanced Optimization, then choose a compatibility target.
- Review the available panels, including Images, Fonts and Transparency.
- Adjust only the settings relevant to the file, save a separate copy and inspect the result.
Choose image settings for the content
Downsampling lowers image resolution, which can reduce file size but also reduce detail. It is most consequential for screenshots with small interface labels, maps, charts, scanned text and artwork that needs to remain sharp. Check those pages at the viewing size your reader will actually use; a page that looks fine when fitted to the screen may be difficult to read when zoomed or printed.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Compression format matters too. Adobe describes JPEG and JPEG2000 as generally suited to images with gradual color transitions, such as photographs. ZIP generally suits illustrations with solid or flat-color areas. Lossy optimization permanently removes some pixel data, so retain the original if you may need the full-resolution version later.
Consider fonts and other embedded data
Fonts, transparency and other objects can contribute to file size, but removing or changing embedded data may affect how a document displays or behaves. Avoid treating every available optimizer setting as a safe default. Make a targeted change, save a new copy, and test the pages and features that depend on it.
Rank #3
- Ergonomic & Adjustable Design: Fight "text neck" and improve your posture. Designed for comfort, it offers an adjustable height (7.1in-8.5in) (1.4in adjustable range) and angle (5°-85°) Please note: cell phone stand is only 9 inches tall—the length of a standard pencil
- Without blocking subtitles Perfect for office desk Tiktok Face Time Zoom video—this is the ultimate kitchen desk essential for phones! Perfect viewing experience while reducing neck back strain, A must-have for gamers streamers desk, and anyone who values both style and support!
- Sleek & Stable Design fits Otterbox Case: Say goodbye to bent cables, tangles, and tip-overs! LISEN’s stylish adjustable desk phone holder features a built-in charging hole and smart cable management, keeping your phone secure and your workspace clutter-free cool gadgets for men
- ANTI-SLIP DESIGN free hands: The under 10.00 items easy gadgets back and the bottom of this kitchen essentials for women are fully covered by anti-skid silicone, which LISEN stand up desk decor can provide maximum protection device from any scratches and slides
- Your Perfect Viewing Companion:If your product arrives damaged or breaks within 365 days, reach out to LISEN for a quick and hassle-free solution. Struggling with assembly, like tightening the screw? We’ve got your back! Your experience matters to us. (Product including: phone Holder stand*1, screw*1, hexagon screwdriver*1, specification*1)
How do I compress a PDF online?
Acrobat’s web workflow is Convert > Compress a PDF. Select the PDF, choose a compression level, then download the compressed result.
- Open Acrobat on the web and select Convert > Compress a PDF.
- Select the file you want to process.
- Choose a compression level and run the compressor.
- Download the result, open it and confirm the quality and document features are acceptable.
Adobe says its web compressor can compress images, remove embedded fonts and eliminate unnecessary items. Adobe also says its product automatically removes redundant data and optimizes images without replacing or losing document content. Treat that as a vendor statement, not a guarantee that every image, form, link or signature will be unchanged in every file: check the downloaded PDF before relying on it.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchBecause this workflow requires selecting and uploading the document, use it only when uploading is appropriate for the file. A local desktop tool avoids that upload step.
How do I make a PDF smaller on a Mac using Preview?
Preview’s built-in route is File > Export > Quartz Filter > Reduce File Size. Choose the filter, then save the result as a separate file so the original remains available.
Rank #4
- Easy Installation: Our gaming lights have been designed to enhance your entertainment experience. Simply position the led light bar next to your TV or game console to create a game room environment with ease. They come with USB power and a 60 inch cord for direct mounting and mobility
- Audio Syncing & Extensive Mode: The built-in high-sensitivity music sensor allows you to sync the TV led lights to your favorite music. Lights react and move to the beat of music, film and game audio, creating an incredible immersive sound and light experience – and all without the need for an additional hub. You can choose from 64+ patterns, including strobe, illusion, jump, energy, gradient, running, chasing, fluttering mode etc. Each mode can be applied to different scenes
- 64+ Chasing IC+RGB & W Effect: The independent control design of IC+RGB and white all-in-one multifunctional rgbw led bar lights monitor backlight allows you to easily switch the led lights for desk between IC+RGB and white to enjoy a variety of lighting effects, you can choose white lighting mode with high brightness for better illumination when working, etc. Choose IC+RGB lighting mode when you need to create an entertaining atmosphere for the light show, 16 million colours of Color changing rgb light bar let you dance to the beat and create a dynamic party atmosphere
- Dynamic and Dimmable Lights: 1%-full brightness free brightness adjustment gives you the flexibility to adjust dimmable led light bar for room decorations or a variety of occasions
- USB Powered: USB light bars for room can be powered by powernank, usb charger, TV, Monitor, laptop PC mainframe, making behind TV led lighting bar easy to install in any location.TV led lights are powered by the TV usb interface / PC mainframe, can be turned on/off synchronously with TV / PC
- Open the PDF in Preview.
- Select File > Export.
- Choose Reduce File Size from the Quartz Filter menu.
- Save a new copy, then open it and examine image quality and document behavior.
Apple warns that a compressed PDF may be lower quality than the original and that resulting file size and image quality vary with the selected options. Preview’s export options also include Create Linearized PDF, Optimize images for screen and Save images as JPEG. These options serve different purposes; choose them according to how the file will be viewed, not simply because they are available.
How can I shrink a PDF before exporting it from Word?
If you still have the editable Word document, reducing its picture data before exporting can prevent oversized images from carrying into the PDF. Microsoft’s guidance applies to desktop Office apps; the web versions do not expose all of these controls.
Recommended Free Tools
- Compress pictures in the document and lower the default picture resolution when appropriate.
- Delete cropped picture areas if you do not need the option to restore them later.
- Discard editing data if you no longer need to preserve it.
- Avoid unnecessary font embedding.
These are source-document changes, not just PDF export settings. Keep an editable original if you may need the cropped image content or discarded editing data later, and check the exported PDF as well as the Word document.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What should I check after compressing a PDF?
Open the saved copy rather than assuming a successful save means a usable result. Check it against the actual purpose: a screen-sharing copy may not need the same image detail as a print-ready guide, while a document with interactive or accessibility features needs more than a visual glance.
Best Value
- Compatible with Wide Screens - To ensure compatibility with the dual monitor mount, your each monitor must meet three conditions at the same time: First, computer screens size range: 13 to 32 inches. Second, screen weight range: 4.4 to 19.8 lbs. Third, the back of the monitor screen must have VESA mounting holes with a pitch of 75x75mm or 100x100mm.
- Regarding the compatibility with desks - Your desk must meet three conditions at the same time: First, desk material: Only wooden desks are recommended, plastic or glass desks cannot be used. Second, desk thickness range: 0.59" - 3.54". Third, the bottom of the desk should not have any cross beams or panels, as this will interfere with installation. We recommend carefully checking that your desk and monitors meets all above conditions before purchasing.
- Dual C-Clamp Hold - Worried your dual monitors might wobble or slip? Our upgraded base uses a larger platform plus a dual C-clamp structure to lock the dual monitor arm firmly to your desk. Each arm safely keeps your screens steady while you type, click and game—no shaking, no sliding, just a clean and secure setup you can trust every day. It also provides Grommet Mounting installation choice, both options ensure stable and secure fixation for your 0.59" - 3.54" desk.
- Full-Motion Adjustment For Comfortable View - Pull the screen closer when you’re deep in a spreadsheet, push it back to watch videos, or rotate to portrait for coding — moving everything smoothly with just one hand. The monitor stand offers +85°/-50° tilt, ±90° swivel and 360° rotation. Raise your monitor up to 15.75″ to support a healthy sitting posture. Whether you’re working from home, gaming through the night, or switching between video calls and documents, getting the screens to your natural line of sight helps relieve neck, shoulder and back strain so you can stay focused longer with less fatigue.
- Keep Your Desk Organized: By lifting both screens off the desktop, this dual monitor stand opens up valuable space for your keyboard, notebook, docking station or a simple, clutter-free work area. Built-in cable management guides wires along the arms, keeping cords out of sight and out of the way. Enjoy a tidy, modern workstation that looks as good as it feels to use.
- Legibility: zoom in on small text, screenshots, diagrams and scanned pages.
- Completeness: confirm the page count and that no pages or visible content are missing.
- Navigation: test hyperlinks and bookmarks that readers rely on.
- Interactive and assistive features: check forms and accessibility tags if the document uses them.
- Signatures: verify the signature status and that the signed document remains suitable for its intended purpose.
- Print output: if recipients will print it, inspect a print or print-preview result rather than judging only the screen view.
- Compatibility: try the file in the reader or environment your recipients will use when compatibility matters.
If a check fails, go back to the untouched original and try a less aggressive setting or a more targeted adjustment. The useful result is the smallest file that still meets the quality, feature and compatibility requirements—not necessarily the smallest number of bytes.
Why is my PDF still too large after compression?
Compression has less to remove when a PDF is mostly text, or when its images and embedded data are already optimized. A small reduction in that case does not necessarily indicate a problem with the tool.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →- The document is image-heavy: image resolution and compression settings may have the greatest effect. Lower them cautiously and inspect detail afterward.
- The document is mostly text: expect less room for image-based savings; check whether fonts or unnecessary embedded data are contributing instead.
- The output must remain print-quality: reducing image detail to hit an upload limit may make the document unsuitable for print. Preserve a print-quality original and make a separate screen-oriented copy if that meets the recipient’s requirements.
- The compatibility target is restrictive: select a target appropriate for the readers who need the file, since compatibility choices affect the available reduction.
Do not keep applying stronger compression without checking the pages. If quality has reached its acceptable limit, ask the recipient or service whether it accepts another delivery method rather than sacrificing information the document needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I compress pictures in Word or compress the finished PDF?
If you still have the editable source, reducing picture data in desktop Word can help before export; you can also compress the finished PDF afterward if needed. Keep the source intact when you may need to restore cropped image areas or editing data.
Can I compress a PDF that has a digital signature?
Do not assume that a compressed copy will retain a signature’s validity or intended legal status. Keep the signed original and verify the signature and document requirements before using a modified copy.
What if the PDF is still over the upload limit at an acceptable quality?
Ask the receiving service or recipient whether it supports another submission route or a split document. Do not keep lowering image quality if the pages become difficult to read or the file no longer suits its purpose.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
