Where to Find PDF Optimizer in Adobe Acrobat Pro XI
Question details
The user is looking for the PDF Optimizer tool in Adobe Acrobat Pro XI to reduce PDF file sizes, similar to the feature available in Acrobat Pro 9.

- Product
- Adobe Acrobat Pro XI
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Reducing PDF file size by optimizing images, fonts, and unused objects.
- Observed behavior
- The user needs to locate the specific menu path for the PDF Optimizer in the Acrobat Pro XI interface.
Before optimizing your PDF, it is highly recommended to save a backup copy of your original file to ensure no loss of quality or important data during the compression process.
Accessing PDF Optimizer via 'Save As Other'
The most direct way to access the PDF Optimizer in Acrobat Pro XI is through the File menu.
Adobe Acrobat Pro XI reorganized some of the menu structures from previous versions. The PDF Optimizer, which allows for granular control over file compression, is now nested under the 'Save As Other' options.
Launch Adobe Acrobat Pro XI and open the PDF document you want to optimize.
Click on the 'File' menu in the top-left corner, then hover over or select 'Save As Other'.
From the submenu, click on 'Optimized PDF'. This will open the PDF Optimizer dialog box.
Use the settings panel to reduce image resolution, compress content, unembed fonts, and discard unused objects. Click 'OK' to apply and save the optimized file.

Reduce PDF File Size for Free in WPS Office
If you are looking for a faster, more intuitive way to reduce PDF file sizes, WPS Office provides a highly effective built-in PDF compression tool. You can easily shrink your PDF files for sharing or storage while maintaining excellent document quality.
- 1. Open WPS Office: Launch WPS Office and open your PDF document using the WPS PDF viewer.
- 2. Access the Compress Tool: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab on the top ribbon and click on 'Compress'.
- 3. Select Compression Level: Choose your desired compression level (e.g., HD, Standard, or Basic) based on your quality and file size requirements.
- 4. Compress and Save: Click the 'Compress' button to reduce the file size, then save the newly optimized PDF to your device.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can I batch optimize multiple PDFs in Acrobat Pro XI?
Yes, you can batch optimize PDFs in Acrobat Pro XI by using the Action Wizard. Go to File > Action Wizard > Create New Action, add the 'Save' command, and specify 'Optimized PDF' in the settings to process multiple files at once.
Why is my PDF file size still large after using the PDF Optimizer?
If the file size hasn't decreased significantly, the PDF might already be highly compressed, or it contains high-resolution flattened images and embedded fonts that cannot be further reduced without severe quality loss. Check the 'Audit space usage' button in the optimizer to see what is taking up the most space.
Is there a simpler way to reduce PDF size in Acrobat XI?
Yes, for a quicker but less customizable option, you can go to File > Save As Other > Reduced Size PDF. This applies standard compression settings automatically, unlike the PDF Optimizer which lets you manually adjust image DPI and font embedding.
Are optimized PDFs compatible with older versions of Adobe Reader?
When using the PDF Optimizer, you can specify target compatibility. In the optimizer settings dialog, select the 'Make compatible with' dropdown menu to choose an older version of Acrobat or Reader to ensure your recipients can open the file without issues.




