There are numerous tools, both online and offline, that allow you to compress and minimize the size of PDFs in just a few minutes. These services are accessible from anywhere and can be used through any device. This guide will discuss the best ways, tools, and websites to make a PDF smaller for every device.
Universall Method For All Devices
Online PDF compressors offer a solution that works on any device, allowing you to reduce the size of PDF files no matter where or what device you’re using. Here are two of the best online websites to make a PDF smaller.
1. Adobe’s Acrobat Online
Adobe, a well-known name in the graphic designing an photo editing field, has an online compressor that’s easy to use and effective. Here’s how to reduce your PDF size using Adobe’s online service:
2. ILovePDF
ILovePDF is a versatile online service that provides various tools for handling PDF files, including PDF compression. Its intuitive and straightforward website design allows for effortless navigation and operation, devoid of complexities. Being a web-based tool, it’s available on any device:
Make A PDF Smaller in Windows
While there are tons of awesome third-party tools for compressing PDFs on Windows, an easy workaround can be utilized called thanks to the Microsoft Print to PDF feature before downloading anything else.
1. Microsoft Print to PDF
This approach usually decreases the file size, particularly if the original PDF included high-definition images or unneeded metadata. It’s worth noting that the reduction might not be as significant as it would be with specialized software, and image quality may be lost. For a more efficient and customizable PDF compression on Windows, third-party software or online tools would be required, like:
2. Adobe Acrobat Pro DC
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is a standout leader in PDF software, known for its diverse features, including a robust compression tool. This tool allows users the flexibility to choose from different compression levels, enabling them to strike the perfect balance between file size reduction and quality retention. What sets Adobe’s compression apart is its effectiveness; even files that have been greatly reduced in size often maintain clear and detailed visuals. Moreover, the software’s built-in optimizer offers specific control over aspects like images, fonts, and transparency, allowing users to manage where the size reductions take place precisely.
Make A PDF Smaller in MacOS
MacOS only provides one built-in option for reducing the size of PDFs. Explore the following steps to learn how to reduce the size of PDFs on your Mac easily.
1. Built-in PDF Filter
Mac users who regularly update their operating systems can reduce PDF file sizes without installing new applications. It’s an often-overlooked feature in macOS that can be quite handy. Keep in mind that this method is generally effective with large PDF files. If you try it with a very small PDF (a few MB or less), you might find that the file size increases. This built-in method might not be sufficient for those who frequently need to compress PDFs. In such cases, a third-party app can be used, like:
2. PDF Expert
PDF Expert is a versatile tool for macOS, offering a user-friendly interface for reading, annotating, and editing PDF files. One area where PDF Expert shines is compressing PDF files without significantly losing quality. Its specialized compression algorithm ensures that documents maintain clear and sharp visuals, even after being reduced in size. Here’s how you can use the PDF Expert app to compress a PDF: PDF Expert provides an array of advanced features in its paid version, but even the free version offers a top-notch reading and basic editing experience.
Make A PDF smaller on Mobile
Mobile devices have handy tools and applications that can resize PDF file sizes effortlessly. A common way to do this, which works on both iOS and Android platforms, usually involves leveraging an online web-based tool. But there are also dedicated apps that do the same thing, and they make more sense for those who need to compress PDFs on the regular.
Univeral Method for Android & iOS
Below is a well-known and trustworthy method for accomplishing this task.
Smallpdf
Smallpdf is a highly regarded online service for handling PDFs, known for its simple interface and dedicated PDF compression tool. Since it operates online, it’s compatible with any mobile device with a web browser, including iOS and Android.
How to Use: Smallpdf can be used free of charge, but there are restrictions on the number of tasks you can do within an hour. A Pro version is available that offers additional features and removes these limitations. It’s crucial to exercise caution when uploading sensitive or private documents to online services. Though Smallpdf states that they prioritize privacy and delete files an hour after uploading, being mindful of potential security issues is always wise.
Making a PDF smaller on iOS
Unlike macOS, which has a built-in PDF compression preview application, iOS does not have a specific tool designed for this purpose. While iOS devices enable easy creation and viewing of PDFs through tools like the “Create PDF” feature or apps like Apple Books, directly compressing them isn’t an inherent function.
1. Quick Actions
However, a workaround is available by using Quick Actions feature. Here’s how to do it: As this is only just a way around, for more regular and efficient PDF compression, iOS users can resort to third-party applications such as:
2. PDF Expert by Readdle
PDF Expert is a standout tool for iOS, renowned for its reliability and versatility in handling PDFs. Created by Readdle, an established app developer with a strong reputation, this tool is finely tuned to work with the iOS environment. The app’s user-friendly compression function lets users decrease file sizes without noticeably degrading quality. Alongside its compression abilities, PDF Expert furnishes users with comprehensive editing, annotation, and file organization options. Its uncluttered user interface makes it approachable for newcomers and seasoned users.
Making a PDF smaller on Android
Android does not have a built-in app for PDF compression. Most Android devices include a standard PDF viewer, such as Google’s PDF Viewer, or an integrated version within the Google Drive app. However, these are mainly geared towards reading PDFs and don’t offer features for editing or compressing them. If you often need to compress PDF files on an Android device, it’s wise to invest some time in finding a trustworthy third-party application that caters to your needs. Below, you will find details on some of the top-rated PDF compressor apps available for Android:
1. Foxit PDF Reader & Editor
Foxit’s solution for Android users is a versatile tool that combines practicality with a simple-to-use interface. Known for its graceful design and fast operation, this app is great at compressing PDFs without losing image quality. The app smoothly links with cloud services, making accessing and sharing documents easy. For anyone who often handles PDFs on Android devices, Foxit presents an all-in-one answer, satisfying the needs of both everyday and professional users through its extensive set of features.
2. WPS Office
Although a full-fledged office suite, WPS Office stands out with its capability to manage PDFs. The app includes a useful PDF compression tool that guarantees documents are shrunk to a shareable and storable size. Additionally, it provides a range of editing and marking tools. With a visually pleasing interface and efficient performance, WPS Office ranks high among the best multi-functional office applications.
