Conveniences come at a cost, PDF documents are no different. We benefit from PDF documents, but some of its features just lead to large PDF file size. Large PDF files sometimes are big problems, it makes annoyingly inefficient to email, upload or share your file, and it takes your storage space as well. We need to make a PDF smaller.
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Here we will introduce several ways to make a PDF smaller on Mac for easy emailing, uploading, etc, without Adobe Acrobat. Please read on to find your way of making a PDF smaller on Mac.
#1 Using Cisdem PDF Compressor
Cisdem PDF Compressor is a powerful PDF compressor to make single or multiple PDFs smaller on Mac. It provides four modes to make a PDF smaller in size but with a preferred dpi. In addition, you can customize the setting to get a reduced PDF file, while keeping their original quality formats. It can help you free up storage space and makes it easier and faster to email and share PDF files. It is the most efficient tool to shrink PDF file without losing quality on Mac.
Advantages:
- Provides 4 compression modes
- You can tweak image quality setting for more customized compression
- Can make PDFs smaller in batch
- Fast compression
- Highly retains PDF quality
- Can work offline
How to make a PDF smaller on Mac with Cisdem PDF Compressor?
- Step 1. Download and install Cisdem PDF Compressor for Mac.
Free Download - Step 2. Drag the PDFs you want to make smaller into this Cisdem.
- Step 3. Customize settings.
There are 4 compression levels: Small, Medium, Large, Custom. Select an option according to your need. To apply the same settings to all imported PDF documents, just select the checkbox before Apply to all. Click OK. - Step 4. Start making a PDF smaller on Mac.
In the main interface, click Compress. Click the folder icon to find the PDF files with smaller size.
Note: Remember that there is always a tradeoff between compression/file size and good quality. There really is no magic solution for all documents, just try different settings and see which give the balance that you like best.
#2 Using Mac Preview (Free)
To make a PDF smaller on a MacBook or iMac, Preview can be a good solution. As the built-in app of Apple, Preview is undoubtedly the most convenient way to reduce PDF file size for Mac users, though it does not support making batch PDFs smaller at one time.
Advantages:
- Easy to use
- Can work offline
- A solution built-in to macOS
- Provide decent result most of the time
Disadvantages:
- You can’t control the compression level
- Sometimes fails, resulting in even larger size
- Preview doesn't support making batch PDFs smaller in size on Mac
- File quality is lost when making a PDF smaller with Preview
How to make a PDF smaller on Mac with Preview?
- Step 1. Open the PDF document you want to shrink with Preview.
- Step 2. In the top menu bar, select File > Export. A dialog box will appear. If you don’t want the processed PDF to replace and overwrite the original file, rename it in the Export As field.
- Step 3. Click the Quartz Filter dropdown list, and select Reduce File Size.
- Step 4. Click Save.
#3 Using Mac Archive Utility (Free)
Archive Utility is a hidden app on macOS to create and decompress ZIP files, while a Zip file is a collection of single or multiple files compressed into a single and smaller file. That’s why we can use Archive Utility to zip and make PDF files smaller on Mac without installing any 3rd party software.
Advantages:
- Easy to use, no need to launch the program in advance
- Compress one or more PDF files at the same time
- Compress images, videos, audios or other files
- Decompress Zip files easily
- Original file quality is kept
Disadvantages:
- Cannot make PDF files much smaller than original (5%~40% smaller)
How to make a PDF smaller on Mac with Archive Utility?
- Right click on PDF files.
- Choose “Compress XX Items”.
- (Optional) To decompress and view the PDF files, right click on the file and open with Archive Utility.
#4 Using Online PDF Compressor
You can also use web-based tools to make a PDF smaller on Mac as well as other operating systems such as Windows and iOS. Smallpdf is one of them. It also allows users to import PDF from cloud storage services such as Google Drive.
Advantages:
- Handy and easy to use
- Can work for all platforms
- No need to install any software
Disadvantages:
- Can’t work offline
- Can’t make multiple PDFs smaller at once
- You have no control over the compression
- Slow when compared with the offline solutions
How to make a PDF smaller on Mac with Online Tool?
- Step 1. Go to https://smallpdf.com/compress-pdf.
- Step 2. Upload the PDF you want to resize. Wait for the uploading. Once the uploading is finished, the shrinking will automatically start.
- Step 3. Click Download File to download the outputted file.
Just as with any web-based app, it requires Internet connection. You need to upload your PDF to its server to make the file smaller. The site will permanently delete your file from their server. That being said, if your document contains something confidential, the best choice is to use desktop software with utmost security.
To sum up
This article on how to make a PDF smaller on Mac talks about several great ways that can help you shrink big MB-sized PDF to small KB-sized PDF with good quality. If your work involves lots of PDFs, then desktop software like Cisdem PDF Compressor will be useful. If you only occasionally resize one or two PDF files, you can use online tool.
/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.
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.
If you are going to use the “Save As” feature of Adobe Acrobat, follow these steps:
Compress Pdf On Mac
- 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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