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runninghead_design
runninghead_design
Inspiring
May 10, 2019
Answered

How to gets smaller filesize for a PDF?

  • May 10, 2019
  • 3 replies
  • 1096 views

Hi,

Hopefully a quick easy one...

I'm saving a .ai file out as an Adobe PDF.

It's got a load of images and vector content.

I'm concerned the large images used (rescaled within AI) and complex vector objects will bloat the PDF file size.

It's coming in at 2.6Mb when resaved as "Optimised" (in Acrobat).

Anyone got some advice as to how I might tinker with the .ai to get it below 1Mb, when saved as Optimised?

Thanks

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer jane-e

Hi Running Head

If you choose the correct settings when you Save as PDF in Illustrator, you do not have to use Save Optimized in Acrobat.

Look at all of the tabs when you make the PDF. Making it smaller will most likely downgrade the images. Pick the ppi you want, and say if it is over that, pull it down to that. Change the jpeg setting from high to medium or low. Don’t embed the fonts (or don’t use as many.)

Delete your bookmarks. Remove your links. Flatten your form fields and comments.

It it looks terrible and / or you need those features, then opt for the higher file size. If it’s going to the printer, opt for the high file size.

Optimize is for when you don’t have the original and can’t do it right the first time.

Jane

3 replies

Jacob Bugge
Community Expert
Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
Community Expert
May 10, 2019

runninghead,

In addition to what Jane said, you may consider resampling the images in PS to get down to (no more than) the required image resolution/size (pixels x pixels), and you may consider switching to PNG24 if not already to avoid the deterioration caused by lossiness of JPEGs; you can also reduce the resolution/size in AI if you must or if they are PNGs, you may put them on Artboards of their own (aligned to have whole pixel values at the corners).

In any of those ways, you can control what you get and adjust to obtain the best possible quality.

And is it really necessary to reduce from a size of 2.6 MB which seems moderate?

    jane-e
    Community Expert
    jane-eCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
    Community Expert
    May 10, 2019

    Hi Running Head

    If you choose the correct settings when you Save as PDF in Illustrator, you do not have to use Save Optimized in Acrobat.

    Look at all of the tabs when you make the PDF. Making it smaller will most likely downgrade the images. Pick the ppi you want, and say if it is over that, pull it down to that. Change the jpeg setting from high to medium or low. Don’t embed the fonts (or don’t use as many.)

    Delete your bookmarks. Remove your links. Flatten your form fields and comments.

    It it looks terrible and / or you need those features, then opt for the higher file size. If it’s going to the printer, opt for the high file size.

    Optimize is for when you don’t have the original and can’t do it right the first time.

    Jane

      runninghead_design
      runninghead_designAuthor
      Inspiring
      May 12, 2019

      Great! Thanks Jane-e and Jacob

      That tip about tweaking the settings in .ai to avoid using Acrobat for reduction sounds ideal.
      I'll test it and compare the results between AI and Acrobat "optimised" versions.

      Those tips (like aligning raster images to whole pixel values at the corners) also sound fascinating.

      AFK at the moment but I wonder what happens if you choose "snap to pixel grid" with raster images?

      Another one to look in to.

      Much appreciated folks!

      Jacob Bugge
      Community Expert
      Jacob BuggeCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 12, 2019

      For my part you are welcome, runninghead.

      Monika Gause
      Community Expert
      Monika GauseCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      May 10, 2019

      WHat do you need to do with that PDF? Is it for printing?

      What exactly is inside?

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