PDF guides
How to compress PDF without hurting readability
Learn how to choose a PDF compression preset so the file is smaller while the document stays easy to read.
Choose a preset for your use case
The screen preset is useful for files that will only be read on a screen. Ebook is usually a balanced choice for text and image documents. Printer or prepress works better when the document will be printed.
Why compression results vary
The final size depends on what is inside the PDF. Image-heavy files can often be compressed more, while simple text PDFs may already be small.
Review visual quality
After compression, open the result and check images, tables, signatures, and small text. If it looks too blurry, use a higher quality preset.
Quick tips
- Start with the ebook preset for a balanced result.
- Avoid compressing the same file repeatedly because image quality can keep dropping.
- Keep the original file until you are sure the compressed result is correct.