How to Batch Optimize Multiple Scanned PDFs in Acrobat
Question details
The user wants to apply optimization settings to multiple scanned PDF files simultaneously rather than processing them one by one.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Managing and reducing the file size or improving the quality of numerous scanned PDF documents in a single batch.
- Observed behavior
- The default 'Multiple Files' option under Text Recognition lacks the necessary optimization controls for batch processing scanned PDFs.
Ensure you are using a compatible version of Adobe Acrobat, such as Acrobat Pro, as the Action Wizard feature required for this task is not available in Acrobat Standard. Gather all the scanned PDFs you want to optimize into a single folder for easier batch processing.
Use Action Wizard to Batch Optimize Scanned PDFs
Create and run a custom batch process using the Action Wizard to optimize an entire folder of scanned documents at once.
The standard Optimize Scan option does not appear automatically for multiple files like the Text Recognition option does. To achieve batch optimization, you need to utilize the Action Wizard, which allows you to apply a custom automation action to a selected folder of PDFs.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro, go to the 'Tools' menu at the top, and select 'Action Wizard' from the list of available tools.
In the Action Wizard panel, click on 'Optimize Scanned Documents' from the list of available actions.
Click the drop-down menu in the action window and select 'Add Folder' to choose the specific folder containing all the scanned PDFs you wish to optimize.
Under the 'Enhance' section, select 'Add Document Description' or adjust other optimization settings as required for your batch, then click 'Start' to run the action.
Optimize and Compress PDFs Easily with WPS Office
If you don't have Adobe Acrobat Pro, WPS Office offers powerful built-in PDF tools. You can easily compress large scanned PDFs, perform OCR to extract text, and manage your PDF files seamlessly within a lightweight, user-friendly interface.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and navigate to the 'PDF' tab on the home screen.
- 2. Open the PDF File: Click 'Open' to load your scanned PDF document into the WPS PDF editor.
- 3. Access PDF Compressor: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab and select 'Compress' to reduce the file size of your scanned document.
- 4. Run OCR (Optional): If you need to recognize and edit text, click on 'OCR' in the Tools menu to convert the scanned images into editable content.
- 5. Save the Optimized PDF: Once your document is compressed and optimized, click 'Menu' > 'Save As' to export your updated PDF.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I find the Action Wizard in my Adobe Acrobat?
The Action Wizard is an advanced automation feature exclusive to Adobe Acrobat Pro. If you are using Adobe Acrobat Standard or Adobe Acrobat Reader, this tool will not appear in your Tools menu.
Does optimizing a scanned PDF reduce its visual quality?
Optimizing a PDF generally applies compression to images to reduce file size. While it is designed to maintain readability and clean up background noise, aggressive compression settings can slightly lower the visual quality of the scanned pages.
Can I batch optimize PDFs using Acrobat Standard?
No, Acrobat Standard does not include the Action Wizard needed for batch processing. You would need to open and use the 'Optimize Scanned PDF' tool on each file individually.
What does the 'Optimize Scanned PDF' feature actually do?
It applies filters to clean up scanned images by removing backgrounds or despeckling, performs OCR to recognize text if configured, and compresses the document to make the file size smaller for easier sharing.
