Other PDF Issues

How to Find Optimize PDF in Adobe Acrobat DC for Mac

Adam DavisAdam Davis Nov 2, 2026 869 views

Question details

The user needs to locate the PDF optimization command to reduce document file size in Acrobat DC for Mac.

How to Find Optimize PDF in Adobe Acrobat DC for Mac
Product
Adobe Acrobat DC
Device & OS
Mac
Scenario
Attempting to compress a PDF document to reduce its file size using Adobe Acrobat DC on a Mac.
Observed behavior
The traditional Reduce File Size option has been moved and is now labeled Save as Optimized PDF.
Before you start

Ensure you have saved a backup of your original high-resolution PDF before applying optimization, so you can easily revert if the compressed version loses too much image or font quality.

Solution 1Recommended

Use the Save as Optimized PDF Command

Locate the new optimization command in the File menu to customize image, font, and transparency settings for file size reduction.

In newer versions of Adobe Acrobat DC for Mac, the dedicated 'Reduce File Size' button was replaced with a more comprehensive optimization tool. You can now access advanced file size controls through the Save As menu.

1
Open the Document

Launch Adobe Acrobat DC for Mac and open the PDF file you wish to compress.

2
Navigate to the Save As Menu

Click on 'File' in the top menu bar, then select 'Save As'.

3
Select Optimized PDF

Choose 'Save as Optimized PDF' from the available options to open the PDF Optimizer dialog box.

4
Configure Optimization Settings

Select your desired settings for image compression, font embedding, transparency, and object cleanup based on your specific quality requirements.

5
Save the Optimized File

Click 'OK' and save the newly optimized PDF copy under a different file name to preserve your original document.

Use the Save as Optimized PDF Command
Optimization Settings: If you are unsure which settings to choose, you can use the default 'Standard' preset in the PDF Optimizer window, which provides a reliable balance between smaller file size and visual clarity.
Easy PDF Compression

Easily Reduce PDF File Size with WPS Office

If you are looking for an intuitive way to compress PDFs without navigating through complex submenus, WPS Office offers a straightforward PDF compression tool. You can quickly reduce file sizes with just a few clicks while retaining excellent document quality.

  1. 1. Open the PDF File: Launch WPS Office and open the PDF document you want to compress.
  2. 2. Access the Compress Tool: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab located on the top ribbon menu.
  3. 3. Open the PDF Compressor: Click on the 'Compress' button to bring up the intuitive PDF compression dialog.
  4. 4. Select Compression Level: Choose your preferred compression tier (such as HD, Normal, or Common) depending on the output quality you need.
  5. 5. Compress and Save: Click 'Compress' to apply the changes, and save your reduced PDF document directly to your device.
One-click PDF compression to reduce file size instantlyCustomizable compression levels (HD, Normal, Common) for precise controlSeamless compatibility with standard Adobe PDF formatsLightweight, fast, and user-friendly interface on Mac and Windows
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Frequently Asked Questions

Why can't I find 'Reduce File Size' in Acrobat DC for Mac?

Adobe updated the interface in Acrobat DC, moving the functionality into the Save menu. The feature previously known as 'Reduce File Size' is now accessible by selecting File > Save As > Save as Optimized PDF.

Does optimizing a PDF reduce its image quality?

It can, depending on the settings you choose. When saving as an optimized PDF, you have the option to customize image compression settings (such as downsampling PPI) to strike the exact right balance between a smaller file size and visual clarity.

Is there a simpler way to compress PDFs on Mac?

Yes, alternative productivity suites like WPS Office provide dedicated 'Compress' buttons directly on the main toolbar. This allows you to quickly reduce file size using pre-configured quality profiles without having to manually adjust complex optimization parameters.