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Optimize Scanned PDF vs. PDF Optimizer

Rondi
Registered: Oct 2 2007
Posts: 25
Answered

There seems to be a difference between the Optimize Scanned PDF (found under Document menu) and the PDF Optimizer (found under the Advanced menu).

I scanned several files to image PDFs (no OCR), which I used the scanner's interface and native software when creating the PDFs. I need two sets of files: high quality files and low quality files. I scanned the files in grayscale at 300 dpi, which gave me the higher quality/larger files that I need. Now I want to run a batch process to reduce the file size.

When I execute the Optimize Scanned PDF function, my 2,076 kb file is reduced to 276 kb. The file looks great. I can't figure out how to use this in a batch process. I tried using the PDF Optimizer because I can use it in the batch process. But, the file outcome is different. The same optimized file that was 2,076 kb is now 544 kb and there is a lot of speckling, fuzziness behind the text.

Are these two menu items completely different? If not, how can I set the PDF Optimizer to give me the same results as the Optimize Scanned PDF function. The other option I thought of was using the app.execMenuItem("Open") javascript in a batch process. But I don't know exactly what else I need to add to the script to execute the Optimize Scanned PDF item.

Maybe someone else has another idea?

I have read all the articles I could find on this forum to answer my question. I have Acrobat Pro 8.1.2.

Thanks

My Product Information:
Acrobat Pro 8.1.2, Windows
dbaker
Expert
Registered: Feb 10 2006
Posts: 413
Hi --

The processes are different. The PDF Optimizer is a much more complex function, and there are many variables that could contribute to the less than spectacular result.

Instead of working with a batch process, you can construct some of the features of the Optimize Scanned PDF process using a droplet.

One thing you might want to try [as an experiment] is exporting the scan as an image file using the resolution you want. You may find it does the trick.

donna

A prolific author and writer of many Acrobat books, as well as books on graphic and Web design software.
Donna lives on a lakeshore in central Canada, where all manner of wildlife from muskrats to coyotes come to call.

alan-31
Registered: Jun 18 2010
Posts: 4
Hi dbaker, I dont know why Adobe did not include the "Optimize Scanned PDF" as a batch command. That would be the only solution to this problem.
daka630
Expert
Registered: Mar 1 2007
Posts: 1420
While Acrobat 8 Pro does not have an "Optimize Scanned PDF" sequence for use with a Batch Sequence
Acrobat 9 Pro / Pro Extended does. It is provided "out of the box".

As with all software applications, Acrobat evolves and provides more features with each verson release.
It contiues to be, for me, an enjoyable "ride" having had the opportunity to work/play with Acrobat since the release of the "3.x" product.

Be well...

Be well...

rbogie
Registered: Apr 28 2008
Posts: 432
you can create a batch seq to optimize scanned docs
here are the basics:
open 'batch sequences' dialog (menu advanced > document processing > batch processing)
click 'new sequence'
choose name (you can rename later)
at item #1, click 'select commands' button
under 'document' select 'optimized scanned PDF'
click 'Add' button
click 'Edit' button to change 'optimize scanned PDF' settings, if desired
click OK
adjust items #2 and #3, if needed
click OK (back to 'batch sequences' dialog)
select any batch seq and click 'run sequence'
when all done, click 'close'