It is not uncommon for PDF files to feature numerous images and graphics – these often make the documents too big. On top of eating a lot of space on your Mac, these documents could present a problem if your goal is to send them via email. These issues can be solved by compressing the document. In this article, you will learn how to reduce a PDF size on Mac without losing quality.
How Does Compressing PDFs Work on Mac?
Open this editor on your Mac. Select the file you want to compress and then go to the next step. Choose the 'Optimize PDF tool' option. Then, you should click on the 'Reduce File Size' and you will see a dialogue window. You need to click 'OK'. Yet another best free PDF editor for Mac is FormSwift, a quite different PDF editor tool than others. Simply, you just need to upload the PDF files to edit them. Plus, it also provides a large library of legal forms which you can fill online and then download as a PDF or normal word document. However, the text tools of FormSwift are restricted. Jul 06, 2021 It is an application that is simple tool for compress PDF online and optimize your. This toolis a free and open-source application that is compatible with Windows. They have a Mac version of their program as well. Free PDF compressor is only a few MBs, so it is easy to download and install.
You probably experienced this: you are uploading a PDF onto a webpage or you are trying to attach a PDF file to your email, and then you get a notification saying that your PDF size exceeds the file size limit. This is the time when you should need to reduce the PDF size.
Since PDF can be bulky easily when it contains a lot of information, PDF size reduction, or PDF compression, is of great importance for those who need to deal with PDF files daily.
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When you compress a PDF file size, you reduce the size of the PDF. Consequently, the file reduction process will result in the creation of files that you can store in the basic database systems without any need to purchase and add a new database drive. The need to use the systems to compress a PDF file size will lead to more efficient documents.
PDF compression has no information loss during the process, compared to other file format compression. For example, we use the image or JPEG compression, but image compression normally results in image quality loss or data loss. In this case, PDF compression seems to be the best way to compress a document.
Reduce PDF size on Mac with Preview
The Preview feature is available on all computersrunning OS X. It is an inbuilt feature capable of handling all the basic PDFneeds, including compressing the Portable Document Format (PDF) file. Previewusually uses the Quartz filter to compress the PDF file.
The steps we have outlined below will take you through the process of reducing the size of your PDF file using the Preview feature:
Step1: Locate the fileyou would like to compress on your Mac. Open the file with Preview.
Step2: Once the file isopen, tap File > Export on the menu bar.
Step 3: On the popup window that appears, choose the Reduce file size option in the Quartz Filter Setting (this should be available under the Format setting).
Note: While the overall quality of the PDF documentmay not be reduced too much, the image quality and the dpi will be reduced tomake the document smaller. If your goal is to retain the image quality and dpi,the Preview feature may not be the best option for compressing your PDF document.
Make a PDF Smaller on Mac Using ColorSync
ColorSync is available by default on all computers running on OS X. The application is usually used as a color management system – it helps Mac users modify images by adding effects, adjusting brightness or colors, tweaking the color space, etc. You can, however, use ColorSync to reduce the size of a PDF file. To learn how to reduce a PDF size on Mac using ColorSync, follow the steps below:
Step1: Navigate toFinder > Application folder and then launch the ColorSync Utility.
Step 2: Select File > Open. Now locate the file you would like to shrink and open it in ColorSync.
Step3: In the Filtermenu, select Reduce File Size and then hit the Apply button.
Step4: Finally, go toFile > select Save As > Hit Save.
Note: Similar to Preview, the ColorSync feature maynot produce a high quality compressed document. If the quality of the documentsis a major concern, avoid using the ColorSync – in this case, try the computerprograms introduced in the following sections.
Use PDF Compressors Online
It is possible to use a web-based application to reduce the PDF file size. If you decide to use an online program to shrink your PDF document, ensure that the document does not feature private or sensitive information.
While the online programs do claim that they respect the user’s privacy, there is always the possibility that your sensitive information may be accessed by third-parties.
Below, we will show you how to reduce PDF size on Mac without losing quality using various Online Programs:
CleverPDF.com
Step1: Launch yourbrowser and visit cleverpdf.com.
Step 2: Select the Compress PDF option.
Step3: Drag and dropthe PDF files you would like to compress to the file area. Depending on thefile size and internet connection speed, you may need to wait for a couple ofseconds to minutes for the upload to complete.
Note: The online program does allow you to add PDFfiles from Google Drive or Dropbox.
Step4: The compressingwill be initiated automatically after the file upload is completed. You canthen download the compressed document to your Mac.
Pdfcompressor.com
Step 1: Visit https://pdfcompressor.com/ on your computer web browser.
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Step 2: Drag and drop the PDF files you would like to compress into theworking area.
Step 3: Wait for the upload to finish. After the upload is complete, theonline program will initiate the conversion automatically.
Step 4: After the conversion, simply tap Download or Download All. Thiswill depend on whether you had uploaded a single file or multiple files.
Using PDF Compressor Software
PDFelement
PDFelement is another ideal computer software that you can use to reduce your PDF file size. On top of allowing you to reduce your PDF file size, the tool has other features, including allowing you to remove annotations, add watermarks, include custom footers and headers, add hyperlinks, etc.
As you have probably guessed, the application is not 100% free. However, you can use the application’s free trial version. The free trial will, however, feature some limitations. To learn how to reduce PDF size on Mac without losing quality using PDFelement, follow the steps below:
Step 1: Install PDFelement on your Mac. Next, open the PDF file you would like to shrink in PDFelement. To do this, simply launch PDFelement and then tap the Open File button available at the bottom of the home screen.
Step2: Navigate to File> Save as Other and then select the Optimize PDF option.
Step3: From thedropdown menu that appears, you should be able to choose the ideal compressionoption. The options that appear include High, Medium, and Low. To get ahigh-quality document after the compression, you should select the Highoption.
Step 4: After selecting your preferred compression option, tap the Save As button. PDFelement will resize the PDF file immediately.
Note: After resizing the PDF file, the tool will display both the original document and the resized one. You can compare the two files before saving the shrunk file.
Step5: To apply thechanges and save your document, simply tap the Save button.
Note: This tool does allow batch compression. If you have numerous PDF files that you wish to reduce their sizes, you can add all the files to PDFelement and compress all of them in one go.
Cisdem PDF Compressor for Mac
Cisdem PDF Compressor is an application that works on macOS computers. The tool is capable of reducing the size of more than 1 PDF file. You can import up to 50 files to the program and reduce all PDF size on Mac at once.
The tool features a 100% success rate. Yourdocuments will be compressed without losing their quality. Below, we have thesteps that you should follow to compress your files using Cisdem PDF Compressorfor Mac:
Step1: Download thetool on your Mac and install it.
Step2: After launchingthe program, drag and drop the PDF files you would like to compress into theprogram.
Step3: From the 4compression modes available, choose the mode that works for your needs.
Step4: Click theCompress button to initiate the compression.
Note: This tool is not 100% free. However, you can use its free trial version to shrink your documents.
Summary
If you are trying to email your thesis which features numerous images, tons of pages, tables, diagrams, and numerous graphics, you may need to shink your document. Also, if you would like to reduce the space occupied by PDF files on your Mac computer, compression is an ideal solution. The options we have outlined above should help you compress your documents quickly and easily.
If quality is a major concern, try to avoid using the default features available on macOS. While the default features can reduce the PDF size on Mac, the output document may not feature the best quality. If you do not want to pay for a computer program, use online programs for your less sensitive documents. For sensitive documents, you can always use a free computer program trial version.
For PDF compression on Windows, click here.
/iMyMac PDF Compressor /How to Compress A PDF on Mac with Original Quality (Free)
If you are a Mac user, you can easily create a PDF file without using additional software. Although it is a relatively hassle-free process, it lacks customization options particularly with the quality and its file size. In such instances, you might end up with a large PDF file. So you might wonder how to compress a PDF on Mac.
Even though the document has better quality, it is a heavier file. There are cases in which quality is the priority than the file size but, in most instances, most prefer a PDF file with a smaller size to make it easier to include in emails. This will require you to compress the file size before it can be shared with others. In such instances, you need to find ways on how to compress a PDF on Mac.
Article GuidePart 1. How to Compress PDF on Mac without Losing Quality?Part 2. How Do I Reduce the Size of A PDF in Preview?Part 3. How to Compress A PDF on Mac Using Adobe Acrobat?Part 4. What Are the Advantages of PDF Files?Part 5. Let's wrap it up
Part 1. How to Compress PDF on Mac without Losing Quality?
PDF files (portable document format) are one of the popular and preferred document formats at present. This is due to its versatile nature and universal compatibility. The file format is widely used by students and professionals to save files that can be easily shared and opened on any device or platform. A PDF that was created on a Windows PC can be opened and even edited on a Mac. This feature makes this file format highly convenient.
When it comes to how to reduce PDF size Mac, there're lots of ways. If you want to find an efficient way on how to compress a PDF on Mac, you need the iMyMac PDF Compressor, it can compress PDF on Mac for free.
How to Compress A PDF on Mac for Free using iMyMac PDF Compressor
Once you decide to use iMyMac PDF Compressor to cut down the file size of your PDF files, simply follow these simple steps:
- After downloading iMyMac PDF Compressor from the iMyMac website for free, install it on your Mac and open its home page.
- Simply drag the PDF file and drop it at the center. The compression process will start automatically.
- Once the compression is complete, you can check the files by tapping on the “Preview” button.
- Tap on “Save” to choose a folder where the file will be stored.
The entire process is essentially simple and you can compress your PDF files with just a few clicks of your mouse.
What Are the Advantages of iMyMac PDF Compressor?
With this tool, you can easily compress a PDF file on your Mac in a hassle-free manner with its noteworthy features.
- Simple. Once you are presented with the main page of iMyMac PDF Compressor, simply drag a PDF file into the interface. In just a few seconds, the compression is complete. You can even preview the compressed files and select a specific folder to save them. If you want a quick and simple way on how to compress a PDF on Mac, this is the ideal tool.
- Secure. When compressing PDF files using iMyMac PDF Compressor, your files are secure. You no longer need to worry about being hacked since the tool supports offline functionality on Mac. Both your information and privacy are under protection when this tool is used.
- Automatic. With this PDF compression tool, it aims at providing users with an easy yet highly efficient way to compress files while retaining high quality. For those who have no clue on what “dpi” is all about or how large the PDF file is, this tool automatically provides you with an ideally compressed PDF file.
- Strict. Generally, if your PDF files include a few images, it might take some time for the compression to complete. Unlike with other similar tools, iMyMac PDF Compressor maintains its rapid speed in compressing files regardless of how large the PDF files are. Furthermore, it complies with the email attachment requirements.
Part 2. How Do I Reduce the Size of A PDF in Preview?
Preview can be used to open and view images and PDF files but it can also allow you to compress PDF files. As an alternative on how to compress a PDF on Mac, simply follow these steps:
- Open Preview on Mac
- Go to the “File” menu and tap on the “Open” button. Choose the PDF file to be compressed. “Tap on “Open” so that file is opened in Preview.
- Go through the “File” menu again and select “Save”. Check the “Quartz Filter” option. Select “Reduce File Size”. You have the choice to indicate the file name and target destination where the compressed PDF will be saved.
- Tap on “Save” to start the compression process.
The only drawback is that you cannot configure the compression level. Generally, it is not an issue of concern for most but if it is something that you want to adjust, using a different app is suggested.
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Part 3. How to Compress A PDF on Mac Using Adobe Acrobat?
Adobe Acrobat can be used to compress your PDF files in two methods. You can reduce the size of the PDF file with the “Save As” function or utilizing the in-built PDF Optimizer.
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If you are going to use the “Save As” feature of Adobe Acrobat, follow these steps:
- Open Adobe Acrobat and tap on the “Open” option to import the PDF file to be compressed.
- Tap on “Save As Other…” > “Reduce Size PDF…” This opens the settings window.
- On the Acrobat Version Compatibility tab, choose the newer version so that the PDF is reduced to a smaller size.
- Tap on “Apply to Multiple” so that the configuration is applied to several files if necessary.
- Lastly, tap on “OK” to complete the process.
If you will use the Adobe Acrobat PDF Optimizer, follow these steps:
- Open Adobe Acrobat and import the PDF file you want to compress.
- Move to “Save As Other…” and choose the “Optimized PDF…” option.
- On the pop-up window that opens, check and confirm the compression settings.
- Tap on “OK” to start the compression process.
Part 4. What Are the Advantages of PDF Files?
The PDF format boasts several advantages than other common file formats. There are several reasons why it is better to use this file format than others.
- Portability. This is one of the main features that make PDF files stand out from the rest. With this file format, you can transfer or move the files without worrying about lost elements. When a PDF file is created, you can easily share it with others and the images, fonts, tables, and formatting present will be moved with it.
- Universally compatible. Since the PDF format established an open standard back in 2008, it gained extensive support in various types of apps. Most of the modern browsers can open and display PDF files while the majority of operating systems include basic pre-installed apps to access PDF files. Generally, you can open PDF files on Mac, Windows or Linux.
- Reliability. Unlike with other file formats, PDFs are considered highly reliable. When creating a PDF file that contains various elements such as images, tables, paragraphs or vector graphics, it will always display them in the same manner regardless of where you are viewing it.
- Ease of creation. Another feature that makes PDF files stand out is it is easy to create. A variety of apps will allow you to save a file in PDF format. This can be easily copied, shared or transferred with ease.
- Security. If you want added security on your PDF files, you can secure one with a password. This will ensure that the content of your file is protected from those who are not authorized to see it. When a PDF file is protected with a password, it can only be viewed if the right password is entered.
- File size reduction. When using a PDF file format, it allows you to reduce the file size by simply lowering its quality. If you have a PDF file that contains images and graphs, it might face issues when sharing it via email or in messaging apps due to the file size limit. In such instances, you can reduce the quality of the PDF files to make it smaller.
Part 5. Let's wrap it up
If you want to learn how to compress a PDF on Mac, there are various options that you can use. If you want a simple and efficient approach, it is recommended to use iMyMac PDF Compressor to compress your PDF files to smaller sizes for convenient sharing and sending via email.
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