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Reduce File Size (optimization / reduce results are miniscule)

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2011-03-28 09:36:51
taniamc
Registered: Mar 26 2011
Posts: 24

I have a file that is 3.3mb and meant mainly for online distribution. I tried saving it as optimized, but that did not reduce the file much at all. I also tried reducing the file, selecting still the same version of acrobat, and got basically the same result. The file does have forms and scripts in it but no pictures or anything. I'm wondering if I can reduce it to an older version of adobe or if there is anything else I can try that will shrink the file size without breaking anything.

My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro 9.3, Windows
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2011-03-28 10:29:09
#1
JacH429
Registered: Mar 28 2011
Posts: 4
Reduce file size will strip out some hidden "junk" but mostly it saves space by lowering the resolution of images, so this is why your file is not reducing. PDF file are very economical when it comes to file size (try zipping one) so if your document is multi page it's very likely that it is as small as it can be.

As a last resort you could try importing into InDesign and exporting a pdf using the "Smallest File Size" setting. This also sometimes gets rid of "gunk" that is hidden.
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2011-03-28 10:35:26
#2
taniamc
Registered: Mar 26 2011
Posts: 24
Thanks Jac, I really appreciate your prompt response! I figured this was probably the case. I was just hoping to find a solution, since this form is for coordinators to distribute and i wasn't sure how they would feel about receiving 50 - 100 3.3mb files back for registration.
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2011-03-28 12:05:26
#3
taniamc
Registered: Mar 26 2011
Posts: 24
Jac - is there any harm is selecting a slightly older version to "reduce file" to? If I select Acrobat 8, it seems to knock the filesize down in half. I'll have to do some extensive testing to make sure nothing is broken, though.
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2011-03-28 20:31:38
#4
taniamc
Registered: Mar 26 2011
Posts: 24
So, as much as I hate to continue "answering" myself... I figured out the issue here. If I reduce filesize on my home comp with the same program versions etc... the file goes down to 1.4mb. If I reduce it on my work computer (adobe 8), it goes down to 1.4mb. If I reduce it on my laptop, it stays at 3.2mb no matter what. Any ideas what could be wrong with my laptop that File Opt and Reduce do not work as well?
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