Size is often one of the biggest problems that we face when it comes to files. Some files have a very huge size that they take up a lot of space in your computer’s hard drive or your phone’s memory. Document formats vary from the amount of space they take. But one of the biggest advantages of PDF files is their compactness. And this is because the file format supports multiple image compression algorithms, which retains the high quality of the image without having to take up too much space.
However, there will be instances when your PDF file becomes too big. And this is a common problem that a lot of people could face. One solution to this problem is by compressing the PDF file to a smaller size for easier sharing and printing. Doing this will also prevent the file from taking up too much space.
Method One: Online PDF Compressors
There are many ways to compress PDF files. But one of the easiest ways to perform this task is to use websites. Sadly, not everyone knows that such websites could do the trick, even if there are a ton of websites that offer this service when you search them on Google. Most websites follow the same principle when it comes to compressing PDF files. Specifically, here are the steps on how to use online PDF compressors for this procedure:
- Upload the PDF file you want to be compressed by either clicking or tapping the “Select Files” button or by dragging and dropping the file onto the website.
- Once the file has been uploaded, the website will start compressing the file. This normally takes a few minutes to finish.
- Finally, you may download the compressed PDF file on your computer or mobile device and use it for file-sharing or printing.
Advantages of Using PDF Compressor
Just like most methods of performing a certain task, there are pros and cons of online PDF compressor using websites. But there are a lot of advantages to using them. For one, you don’t have to create an account or even pay subscription fees just to use the website. Aside from that, you also don’t have to download any software on your computer or mobile device since PDFBear works perfectly on most web browsers like Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari for iOS devices.
Speaking of web browsers, you can use websites like PDFBear on any mobile device or computer running on any operating system (e.g. Android, iOS, macOS, Windows) as long as that device has a web browser installed in it. The only other thing you would need is an Internet connection and you can already use PDFBear to compress your PDF files.
Finally, it may seem unsafe to compress PDF files online due to the threat of cybercriminals using viruses, malware, and other forms of “hacking” just to see the data in your document. This is still scary since PDF files could contain sensitive personal information, especially forms in this format. But with websites like GogoPDF, you would not have to worry about the security and safety of your data in your document since it will delete your file from their servers after it was used for compression. With this, cybercriminals would not be able to peek through your document to get sensitive information.
Method Two: Adobe Acrobat
Another way to compress PDF files is to use Adobe Acrobat, specifically Adobe Acrobat DC and specifically Adobe Acrobat Pro DC. This is the software that many people use to read, save, and edit PDF files. You can also use Adobe Acrobat Pro DC to compress PDF files but there’s a caveat to it. Unlike the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, you would need to pay subscription fees to access Adobe Acrobat Pro DC but know that you can always get a seven-day free trial through Adobe Acrobat Reader DC and decide if you wish to extend the trial to a normal subscription.
There are more steps needed to perform with Adobe Acrobat Pro DC in compressing PDF files. But here is the shortened, general procedure on how to perform this task using Adobe Acrobat Pro:
- Open Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or Adobe Acrobat Reader DC on your computer.
- Next, open the PDF file you want to be compressed. To do this, click File, select Open, choose the preferred file, and then click Open again.
- Then, click File again and click Compress PDF or Reduce File Size. If you use Adobe Acrobat Reader DC, you will be prompted to sign up for an Adobe Acrobat Pro DC subscription to perform this function.
- After that, you may click “Choose a different folder” and choose the location where you want to save the file.
- Rename the file if necessary and click Save.
Advantages of Using Adobe Acrobat
Perhaps the greatest advantage of using Adobe Acrobat Pro DC over other methods is security. Since PDF is a proprietary file format created by Adobe, you can expect that you will feel more secure with both your device and with your file when using it to compress your PDF files. Most people typically feel more secure with using Adobe Acrobat Reader or Pro DC when doing tasks with their PDF files over other methods.
Another advantage of using Adobe Acrobat is that you can use it online for this procedure. But this is only possible if you connect your computer to the Internet once every thirty days so that your Adobe Acrobat Pro DC would continue to be activated and for further updates and announcements from Adobe.
Conclusion
When compared to other file formats, PDFs are more compact and therefore take a little less space in your computer’s hard disk or your phone’s memory. However, there will be instances when PDF files will have bigger sizes than you would expect for several reasons. This is especially true if you downloaded a PDF version of a textbook or even a research paper. Nevertheless, compressing PDF files should do the trick, and this should allow you to use your PDF for easier file sharing and printing.
This procedure also helps with lessening the amount of space that your document occupies on your device.
Salman is a prolific environmental writer, and has authored more than 500 articles in reputed journals, magazines and websites. He is proactively engaged in creating mass awareness on renewable energy, waste management, sustainability and conservation all over the world.
Salman can be reached on salman@cleantechloops.com
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