Due to its adaptability and compatibility, PDF files are frequently used for document exchange. However, transferring big PDF file sizes over the internet or via email might be difficult. Fortunately, there are several ways to make PDF files smaller on Mac, enabling you to optimize them for simpler distribution and archiving. In this post, we’ll look at practical ways how to reduce pdf file size mac.
You could get across circumstances when working with larger PDF files on a Mac. Large PDF files not only take up more storage, but they are also difficult to upload, download, and share online. It becomes vital to shrink PDF files without sacrificing their quality as a result.
Understanding PDF File Sizes
Understanding how PDF file sizes are calculated is crucial before delving into strategies for shrinking PDF files. Text, photos, typefaces, and metadata are just a few of the items that can be included in PDF files, all of which add to the file size. Large file sizes can be caused by things like high-resolution photos, embedded fonts, and extra metadata.

Reasons to Reduce PDF File Size
There are several reasons why you might want to reduce the size of a PDF file on your Mac. Some of the common reasons include:
- Faster upload and download times: Smaller PDF files can be uploaded and downloaded more quickly, enhancing productivity and saving you valuable time.
- Improved email attachments: Compressed PDF files make it easier to attach and send via email, avoiding issues with file size limits.
- Optimized storage space: Reducing PDF file size helps free up storage space on your Mac or other devices, allowing you to store more files.
- Enhanced website performance: If you intend to publish PDF files on a website, reducing their size improves the loading speed and overall user experience.
Methods to Reduce PDF File Size on Mac
Using Preview App
The Preview app, which comes pre-installed on Mac, provides a built-in feature for compressing PDF files. Follow these steps to reduce file size pdf mac using Preview:
- Open the PDF file in Preview by double-clicking on it.
- Go to the “File” menu and select the “Export” option.
- In the export window, choose the “Reduce File Size” option from the “Quartz Filter” dropdown menu.
- Click “Save” to save the compressed PDF file to your desired location.
Compressing Images
High-resolution images within a PDF file contribute significantly to its size. By compressing these images, you can effectively reduce the overall file size. Here’s how you can compress images within a PDF on Mac:
- Open the PDF file in Preview.
- Click on the “File” menu and select “Export.”
- In the export window, click on the “Image” dropdown menu and choose the desired image format.
- Adjust the image quality and resolution settings to reduce the file size.
- Click “Save” to save the compressed PDF with reduced image sizes.
Adjusting Resolution and Quality
You can further reduce file size pdf mac by adjusting the resolution and quality settings. Lowering the resolution and quality of images and graphics within the PDF can significantly decrease the file size without compromising readability. Follow these steps to adjust resolution and quality:
- Open the PDF file in Preview.
- Select the image or graphic you want to modify.
- Click on the “Tools” menu and choose “Adjust Size.”
- Reduce the resolution and quality settings as per your requirements.
- Click “OK” to save the changes.
Removing Unnecessary Elements
PDF files often contain unnecessary elements such as annotations, bookmarks, or embedded fonts that contribute to their size. Removing these elements can help reduce the overall file size. To remove unnecessary elements from a PDF file on Mac:
- Open the PDF file in Preview.
- Select the element you want to remove, such as annotations or bookmarks.
- Press the “Delete” key on your keyboard to remove the selected element.
- Save the modified PDF file.
In addition to the built-in options in Preview, you can also use third-party PDF compression tools to reduce the size of PDF files on your Mac. These tools offer advanced compression algorithms and additional features for optimizing PDF files.
Online PDF Compressors: How to Reduce Pdf file Size Mac?
You may compress PDF files without installing any software using a variety of online services. Smallpdf, PDF Compressor, and ilovepdf are a few of the well-known online PDF compressors. You may submit your PDF file, compress it, and obtain the optimised version using these platforms’ typically straightforward and user-friendly interfaces.
Downloadable PDF Compressors
If you frequently work with PDF files and require more advanced compression options, downloadable PDF compression software can be a suitable choice. Tools like Adobe Acrobat Pro DC, PDF Expert, and Foxit PhantomPDF offer comprehensive features for reducing PDF file sizes while maintaining document integrity.
Additional tips on How to Reduce Pdf File Size Mac?
Apart from the aforementioned methods, here are some additional tips to help you further reduce the file size of PDFs on Mac:
- Removing Annotations and Comments: Annotations and comments added to PDF files can increase their size. Removing unnecessary annotations and comments can help reduce the overall file size.
- Converting to Different Formats: Converting PDF files to alternative formats such as Word documents or images can significantly reduce their size. However, keep in mind that the conversion process may result in some loss of formatting or data.
- Splitting PDF Documents: If a PDF file contains multiple pages, splitting it into smaller sections can reduce the file size. This is particularly useful when only certain pages need to be shared or accessed.
Balancing File Size and Document Quality
While it’s important to reduce the file size of PDFs, it’s equally crucial to maintain document quality. Balancing file size reduction with document legibility and usability is essential. Always preview the compressed PDF file to ensure it retains the necessary details and readability.
Conclusion on How to Reduce Pdf file Size Mac?
Reducing PDF file size on a Mac is crucial for efficient file management and sharing. By employing various techniques such as using the Preview app, compressing images, adjusting resolution and quality, and removing unnecessary elements, you can effectively reduce the size of PDF files. Additionally, utilizing third-party compression tools and considering batch compression can further optimize the process. Remember to strike a balance between file size reduction and document quality to ensure a seamless user experience.
Here are some of the other articles, you may prefer to read:
- JPEG Compressor – Everything You Need to Know in 2023
- JPEG vs JPG – Understanding the Differences between JPEG and JPG Image Formats
- How does JPG compression technically work?
- How to reduce the size of a PDF file?
Will reducing the file size of a PDF affect its quality?
Reducing the file size of a PDF can potentially impact its quality, especially if significant compression is applied. It’s important to strike a balance between file size reduction and document legibility to maintain a satisfactory level of quality.
Can I compress a password-protected PDF file?
Yes, you can compress a password-protected PDF file. However, you may need to enter the password to unlock the file before applying any compression or modification.
Is there any recommended PDF compression tool for Mac?
Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is widely regarded as a comprehensive PDF compression tool for Mac users. However, there are also other options available, such as PDF Expert and Foxit PhantomPDF, which offer similar functionality and features.