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keving50156231
Participant
November 8, 2018
Answered

Exporting to PDF from Indesign

  • November 8, 2018
  • 3 replies
  • 654 views

I currently have an indesign file that is about 12MB.  It has a lot of PDF's in the document that I created from a CAD software.  Each PDF is from 200KB to 2MB.   When I export the InDesign file to PDF, the pdf is about 14 MB and can't be easily emailed that way. We want to be able to email the file so it needs to be under 5 preferably.  If I compress the pdf, the  drawings that were placed in the document get really grainy and don't look sharp. I'm sure other people have made larger documents with high quality pictures and can get the file side that is easy to work with.  Is there a way to get the final PDF down to a more reasonable size without losing quality.  Is there something I should do with the smaller pdf's that I place inside the document?

Thanks,

Sara

    Correct answer Derek Cross

    Try experimenting to get the best combination of size and quality  – in the InDesign Adobe PDF Presets select (for example) Smallest File Size. Also, open the PDF in Acrobat DC, and then Save As Other > Reduced Size PDF...

    3 replies

    TᴀW
    TᴀW
    Legend
    March 6, 2025

    When you compress images during InDesign export, the type of compression can, sometimes, make a big difference, depending on the type of drawing.

    For line art, if I remember correctly, "Nearest neighbour" can give much better and sharper results than some of the other settings. Worth playing around with a little more.

    And obviously, if there's any way of using vector art rather than bitmap, that would also save a lot of space.

    Visit www.id-extras.com for powerful InDesign scripts that save hours of work — automation, batch tools, and workflow boosters for serious designers.
      BobLevine
      Community Expert
      BobLevineCommunity Expert
      Community Expert
      November 8, 2018

      There is a limit to how small you can get a file. Put it in a Dropbox folder and email a link or use Send and Track from Acrobat DC

      K
      katie_0277
      Participant
      March 6, 2025

      For people living in areas with low connectivity, this just isnt a viable option 

      Derek Cross
      Community Expert
      Derek CrossCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
      Community Expert
      November 8, 2018

      Try experimenting to get the best combination of size and quality  – in the InDesign Adobe PDF Presets select (for example) Smallest File Size. Also, open the PDF in Acrobat DC, and then Save As Other > Reduced Size PDF...

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