How do I reduce the size of a PDF in Adobe Acrobat?

Open your PDF in Acrobat. Go to 'Save as Other' in the menu. Click 'Reduced Size PDF'. Save the new, smaller file.

Why should I not compress a PDF that was already compressed before?

Each compression step removes more image detail, making pictures look worse. Text stays the same, but images lose quality every time you compress. Always start with your original file for best results.

What is the difference between Low, Medium, and High compression in Acrobat?

Compression Level Image Quality File Size Best Use. Low Best quality (images not re-compressed) Small reduction Printing, keeping details Medium OK for screen, some loss Medium reduction Email, web upload High Images look worse, low dpi Biggest reduction On-screen only, not for print

Save Bandwidth in Adobe Acrobat — How-to & AI prompts

AI prompts

2 ways to ask · copy any one

AExecute — “help me do it”Bundle the large data logs and schematics into one compressed PDF package, reduce file size…+

Bundle the large data logs and schematics into one compressed PDF package, reduce file size where possible, and upload the compressed file to the central archive folder to save bandwidth.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

BImprove — “do it better”Prepare the archive upload so IT and ops don't complain about size: combine logs and schematics…+

Prepare the archive upload so IT and ops don't complain about size: combine logs and schematics into one PDF, downsample non-critical images and compress embedded files, add a one-page index listing contents and original sizes, and then upload to the central archive with a comment on retained resolution for audits.

when the reply comes backPush once: ask it to sharpen the weakest part, and to say what it assumed.

How to do it

the tool · the steps · what to avoid

1
Open the PDF you want to optimize in Adobe Acrobat.
2
Go to the File menu and select Save As Other, then choose Reduced Size PDF.
3
In the Reduce File Size dialog, review the optimization settings for compression and object removal.
NoteLinearization allows users to begin viewing the first pages of a PDF before the entire file is downloaded.
4
In the same dialog, adjust compression settings for images and discard unnecessary objects or data as needed to further reduce file size.
Best practiceReducing image resolution and removing embedded fonts can significantly decrease file size for web delivery.
5
Click OK to apply the optimization settings.
6
Save the optimized PDF with a new file name to preserve your original document.

In the appWith the API

Enabling 'Optimize for Fast Web View' ensures your PDF loads quickly when accessed online.

This runs in the Acrobat app - there is no separate API for this task.

Glossary

words on this page

CompressionMaking a file smaller by removing some data, often from images.ExampleApplying image compression reduced the photo's file size without losing too much quality.

DPIDPI means dots per inch, and it tells you how clear an image is when it is scanned.ExampleA scanned photo saved at 300 DPI will usually contain more detail than the same photo at 72 DPI.

Original fileThe first, untouched version of your PDF before any changes.

The real tasks

the one, listed here

Bundle and compress the large data logs and schematics before uploading to the central archive to save bandwidth.

FAQ

about this task

Open your PDF in Acrobat.
Go to 'Save as Other' in the menu.
Click 'Reduced Size PDF'.
Save the new, smaller file.

Compression makes a PDF file smaller by lowering the quality of images inside it. This is useful because it helps you send, upload, or share files faster and saves storage space. But if you use too much compression, pictures can look blurry or bad when printed.

Yes, reducing the PDF size will make a blurry scan look even worse, especially if you use medium or high compression. The process lowers the quality of pictures to make the file smaller, so any problems in your original scan will get worse. If you need to keep as much quality as possible, use the lowest compression or keep the original scan.

Each compression step removes more image detail, making pictures look worse.
Text stays the same, but images lose quality every time you compress.
Always start with your original file for best results.

Compression Level	Image Quality	File Size	Best Use
Low	Best quality (images not re-compressed)	Small reduction	Printing, keeping details
Medium	OK for screen, some loss	Medium reduction	Email, web upload
High	Images look worse, low dpi	Biggest reduction	On-screen only, not for print

Save Bandwidth

When to use it

AI prompts

How to do it

Glossary

The real tasks

Who does this

FAQ

Sources

Adobe help