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C
Chafespeare
Participant
May 20, 2010
Question

saving Illustrator files as small PDFs?

  • May 20, 2010
  • 4 replies
  • 22549 views

How do I save an Illustrator file (about 20 MB) into a 3-4 MB PDF that can be mailed?  I already tried to go to Edit >> Adobe Preset Edits and then select the "Smallest file size" option. I then went tried to save a copy as a PDF and the resulting copy was 19 MB.  How can I get this file down to a manageable size?

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    4 replies

    joãop62663633
    joãop62663633
    Participating Frequently
    June 14, 2017

    Save as [PDF/X-1a:2001]

    Monika Gause
    Community Expert
    Monika GauseCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 14, 2017

    Save as [PDF/X-1a:2001]

    This thread is 7 years old.

    The issue is apprently solved.

    Saving algorithms have been changed since then.

    And on top of that: In no way whatsoever can saving as PDF/X-1 be applied to any existing file to bring file size down. It completely depends on the workflow, content of the file and the purpose of the file.

    joãop62663633
    joãop62663633
    Participating Frequently
    June 16, 2017

    You're right. 7 years... Nevertheless my dear, any file that you save as a "default" PDF, will decrease its size when saved as [PDF/X-1a:2001]. I could tell you another 50 ways to decrease the pdf's size, but the thread is 7 years old, so why bother.

    On top of that, the reply was meant to help. The original file, is an .AI meaning: it will ALWAYS decrease the pdf's size (I do it everyday, saving 5 times the space of a PDF with default proprieties). You should try it

    M
    mec_os
    Inspiring
    May 20, 2010

    you can print as pdf. that might get you a smaller file. or you can open your pdf in acrobat professional and go to document/reduce file size. if you have images in your document check you can down sample them more in the output options in the save as pdf menu.

    damn. three responses at the same time.

    acrobat professional will reduce your file greatly. i've gotten 60 megs down to a few megs

    Scott Falkner
    Community Expert
    Scott FalknerCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    May 20, 2010

    Start with Smallest File Size and adjust the compression values. Probably the most important thing to turn off is Include Illustrator Editing Capability. With this option on, the complete Illustrator file and all embedded images are saved within the PDF so it can be opened and edited with Illustrator. Without this option, only the PDF data is stored, which keeps the size down but makes editing the file later difficult or impossible. Be sure to follow up with a Save As back to a normal Illustrator .ai file.

      Mylenium
      Mylenium
      Legend
      May 20, 2010

      You remove everything that makes it look good! I'm afraid this is a somewhat circular argument. Unless you reduce the resolution of images and raster effects or compromise on otehr quality settings, the result you are seeing is probably as good as it gets. Simply ask yourself what's more important to you: quality or size. That aside, people upload files to FTP accounts, Yousendit and other sites and do not mail them, if it is realyl important that the client/ reviewer sees all the details. This also neatly avoids mail being blocked due to excessive attachments...

      Mylenium

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