These forums are now Read Only. If you have an Acrobat question, ask questions and get help from one of our experts.

Reducing document file size

jbyrne
Registered: Dec 21 2007
Posts: 4

I scanned a paper document into a pdf document, resulting size of pdf file is about 108 MB. In Acrobat 8.1, I used Document, Reduce File Size, Retain Existing and the result was a file of size 30 MB. This is great but... could you explain what happens to reduce the file size so much? The file looks fine on the screen. I just want to make sure I'm not losing some information during this process. Thanks so much for your help. John

My Product Information:
Acrobat Standard 8.0999999999999996447286321199499070644378662109375, Windows
pddesigner
Registered: Jul 9 2006
Posts: 858
Hi jbyme,

The Reduce File Size command resamples and recompresses images, removes embedded fonts, compresses document structure, and cleans up elements such as invalid bookmarks. If the file size is already as small as possible, this command has no effect.

Important: Some methods of compression may make images unusable in a print production workflow. You should experiment with various settings before making changes that can’t be discarded.

My favorite quote - "Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.

jbyrne
Registered: Dec 21 2007
Posts: 4
Thanks, Eugene. I also recently tested out the "Optimize scanned PDF" option and it reduces the file size by a far greater amount, with no apparent reduction in use of the document (viewing, printing, etc.), at least for my application.