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Writing-Related Software Tutorials

The Fastest Way to Reduce PDF Size in Adobe Acrobat

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This tutorial shows the fastest way to reduce the size of a PDF in Adobe Acrobat.

First, we will go through the process in the new interface introduced to Adobe Acrobat in 2023. Then, we will go through the process using the old interface available in Adobe Acrobat 2017, Adobe Acrobat 2020, and non-updated versions of Adobe Acrobat Pro.

The images below are from Adobe Acrobat Pro on a PC. Currently, the steps are similar, but not exact, on a Mac.

Warning: This process should not be performed on PDFs with digital signatures because it will remove the signatures.

Table of Contents:

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Also note that this is the fastest way to reduce file size—but not the most advanced. We will cover the more advanced compression method in a separate tutorial.

How to Reduce PDF Size in the New Interface

  1. Open the PDF.
  2. Select the Menu button.
  3. Select Save as Other from the drop-down menu.
  4. Select Reduced Size PDF from the submenu.
Figure 1. Reduced size PDF option in the main menu in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 1. Reduced size PDF option
  1. Select a software compatibility version from the Make compatible with menu in the Reduce File Size dialog box. For most users, Retain existing will be the best choice.
  2. Select the OK button.
Reduce File Size dialog box in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 2. Make compatible with menu
  1. Select the location to save the file in the Save As dialog box.
  2. (Optional) Enter a new name in the File Name text box.
  3. Select the Save button.
Save As dialog box in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 3. Save As dialog box

How to Reduce PDF Size in the Old Interface

Here are two methods to reduce the size of PDFs using the old interface (prior to 2023).

Method One

  1. Open the PDF.
  2. Select the File menu.
  3. Select Reduce File Size from the drop-down menu.
Reduce File Size option in the File menu in Adobe Acrobat Old Interface
Figure 4. Reduce File Size (Old Interface)
  1. Select the location to save the PDF from the Save As Reduced Sized PDF dialog box.
Save As Reduced Size PDF dialog box in Adobe Acrobat
Figure 5. Save As Reduced Size PDF dialog box
  1. (Optional) Enter a new name in the File Name text box in the Save As dialog box (see figure 3).
  2. Select the Save button (see figure 3).

Method Two

  1. Open the PDF.
  2. Select the File menu.
  3. Select Save as Other from the drop-down menu.
  4. Select Reduced Size PDF from the submenu.
Reduced Size PDF option in the File menu in Adobe Acrobat Old Interface
Figure 6. Reduced Size PDF option (Old Interface)
  1. Select a compatibility version from the Reduce File Size dialog box. For most users, Retain existing will be the best choice (see figure 2).
  2. Select the OK button (see figure 2).
  3. Select the location to save the file in the Save As dialog box (see figure 3).
  4. (Optional) Enter a new name in the File Name text box (see figure 3).
  5. Select the Save button (see figure 3).

Related Resources

How to Combine PDFs into One in Adobe Acrobat Pro (2023 Interface Update)

How to Add Comments in Adobe Acrobat (2023 Interface Update)

How to Change Your Name for Comments in Adobe Acrobat (2023 Interface Update)