How to Reduce the File Size of a Combined PDF in Acrobat Pro
Question details
The user wants to reduce the file size of a PDF created by combining multiple photos, but the optimization tools appear to be disabled during the process.
- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro 2017
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Combining multiple photo files into a single PDF document and attempting to compress the output file.
- Observed behavior
- PDF optimization and file reduction commands are greyed out or unavailable while the files are still in the selection and combination stage.
Ensure you have successfully finished combining your photos and saved the initial merged PDF document to your local drive before attempting to reduce its file size.
Save First, Then Use the Optimized PDF Tool
Finalize the combination process first, then use Acrobat's built-in optimization settings to control image compression and reduce the overall file size.
In Adobe Acrobat Pro, optimization features cannot be applied during the file-selection stage of combining documents. The PDF must be generated and saved as an independent file before Acrobat can analyze and compress its contents.
Finish creating your combined PDF and click 'File' > 'Save' to save the initial merged document to your computer.
With the saved PDF open, navigate to the top menu and select 'File' > 'Save As Other' > 'Optimized PDF'.
In the PDF Optimizer dialog box, adjust the settings for image compression, fonts, and transparency according to your needs, then click 'OK' to save the smaller file.
Use the Reduced Size PDF Option
If the 'Optimized PDF' option is unavailable or the settings are too complex, use the automated 'Reduced Size PDF' feature.
Easily Combine and Compress PDFs with WPS Office
If you are looking for a simpler way to merge and compress PDFs without navigating complex menus, WPS Office offers a built-in PDF toolkit that allows you to combine files and reduce PDF file sizes in just a few clicks.
- 1. Open WPS PDF Tools: Launch WPS Office, navigate to the 'PDF' tab, and select 'Compress PDF' from the toolkit.
- 2. Add Your PDF File: Click 'Add File' to import the combined PDF document you wish to shrink.
- 3. Select Compression Level: Choose your desired compression level (HD, Standard, or Basic) and click the 'Compress' button to quickly reduce the file size.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the PDF optimization options greyed out in Acrobat?
Optimization tools like 'Optimized PDF' and 'Reduced Size PDF' are only available for existing, saved PDF documents. During the file combination stage, the PDF is not yet finalized. You must save the combined file first before these options become active.
Does using 'Save As' reduce a PDF's file size?
Yes, using 'Save As' to create a new copy of the file can often reduce its size. This process rewrites the entire PDF document, optimizing its internal structure and clearing out deleted objects or appended background changes.
How can I reduce the file size of photos before converting them to a PDF?
You can resize the image dimensions or compress the JPEG/PNG files using an external image editor before importing them into Acrobat. Alternatively, you can adjust the default conversion and compression settings within Acrobat's preferences before selecting the files.
