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Participating Frequently
May 11, 2021
Question

Resize pdf in AI so that file is less than 150mb for printing service requirements.

  • May 11, 2021
  • 3 replies
  • 1146 views

I have to reduce my file size so that it is 150mb or less in order to upload to the printing service website. I have deleted swatches, duplicate layers, etc and still my file is over 700mb. Ugh! Would greatly appreciate any assistance. 

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3 replies

Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 14, 2021

What are your PDF export settings?

The reason I mentioned the "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities" checkbox, is if that is checked, you're essentially saving a PDF with two parts: the PDF part AND the original full bore Illustrator file along for the ride. The Illustrator side of it can be quite large, especially if you have lots of images, especially embedded images. This can make your PDF huge.

This is why it's important to save a PDF with that option unchecked.

Even trying to optimize this in Acrobat will only gain so much. It's better to do it when the PDF is exported.

 

 

 

 

 

Doug A Roberts
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 11, 2021

What's in the file?

If you check Audit Space Usage in Acrobat DC, what is taking up that space?

Participating Frequently
May 13, 2021

I did try the optimization on a couple of files and it helped! However, I have one file that has a large amount of "document overhead". I have no idea what that means nor have I been able to find out what that means. Do you know and how would I go about changing it?  Thank you

 

Doug A Roberts
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 14, 2021

If you discard user data, does that amount change?

Brad @ Roaring Mouse
Community Expert
Community Expert
May 11, 2021

When you save out as PDF for the printer, uncheck "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities".