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How to Reduce PDF File Size When Saving Selected Pages on Android
Question details
The user needs to reduce the file size of a PDF that was created by saving a selection of pages from a larger document on an Android device.
- Product
- Android Print / PDF Editor
- Device & OS
- Android
- Scenario
- Attempting to save and share only a specific section of a large PDF document.
- Observed behavior
- When saving a few selected pages using the Android Print 'Save as PDF' feature, the new file retains the same large file size as the original document.
Make sure you have a reliable PDF management app with compression capabilities, such as WPS Office or Adobe Acrobat Reader, installed on your Android device.
Compress the Extracted PDF File Manually
Use a dedicated PDF app's compression tool after using the Android Print function to shrink the retained underlying file data.
The 'Save as PDF' feature found in the Print window is controlled by the Android operating system, not the PDF app itself. Because of how it processes the file, it often retains the hidden background data of the original large document, even when only a few pages are exported. To fix this, you must compress the newly saved file.
Use the Android Print menu to select the specific pages you need and tap 'Save as PDF' to create a new file.
Locate the newly created PDF on your device and open it in a capable PDF reader like Adobe Acrobat.
Tap on the 'Tools' menu or icon, scroll down, and select the 'Compress PDF' option.
Select your desired level of compression (e.g., High or Low compression) and save the optimized file for easier sharing.
Extract and Compress PDF Pages Seamlessly with WPS Office
Bypass the Android Print system's file size bug entirely. WPS Office provides built-in tools to extract precise pages and automatically compress PDFs on your mobile device, making sharing large documents hassle-free.
- 1. Open the Document: Launch the WPS Office app on your Android device and open the original large PDF.
- 2. Extract Specific Pages: Tap the 'Tools' icon at the bottom, select 'PDF Extract', check the boxes for the exact pages you want, and extract them into a new file.
- 3. Compress the PDF: If you want to shrink the file even further, go back to 'Tools', choose 'PDF Compressor', and apply the compression.
- 4. Save and Share: Tap 'Save' or use the 'Share' button to instantly send the optimized file via email, WhatsApp, or other platforms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my new PDF the exact same size as the original file?
When using standard mobile print functions to save selected pages, the system often hides the omitted pages rather than permanently deleting them. This preserves the original file's underlying data and metadata, resulting in the same large file size.
Can I compress a PDF on my phone without downloading an app?
Yes, you can use your mobile browser to visit free online PDF compressor websites. Simply upload the large PDF, allow the site to compress it, and download the smaller version. However, using a dedicated app like WPS Office is often faster and more secure for sensitive documents.
Will compressing my PDF ruin the quality of the images?
PDF compression reduces file size by downscaling image resolution and discarding unnecessary metadata. While text remains perfectly readable, highly compressed images may appear slightly blurry. Most tools allow you to balance quality and file size by choosing between high, medium, and low compression levels.
