Free PDF Compressor not free when logged in

Question

I was trying to compress a PDF while logged into my account using the PDF compressor that is labelled and described as "free" but it kept pushing me to either add the app to my subscription or start a free trial. I couldn't continue to the compressor without selecting one of these. Even if I landed on the drag-and-drop page, it would forward me to a viewer where I have to select compression again, and get fed the same upgrade push again.

Instead, I logged out and could use the compression tool completely for free without any sales prompts.

Why is this? Why is an Adobe user (Photography subscriber) treated worse than an anonymous visitor?

athletic_Whisper9328 · Accepted Answer

This is may be due to Adobe's strategy to differentiate access:

Anonymous User: You are offered a "one-time free transaction" to entice you to create an account or subscribe (a lead-generation tactic). The system views you as a potential new customer.

Logged-In Subscriber: Once logged in, the system recognizes you as an existing customer, but likely only as a Photography Plan subscriber, which does not include the premium PDF/Acrobat features like compression. The system then routes you to the paid upgrade or trial path for Acrobat to upsell you.

In short: The anonymous user gets a free taste, while the subscriber is targeted for an upsell to the relevant product (Acrobat).

Randy Hagan · Answer

I think you'd have to ask the folks who develop PDF Compressor.

It's a separate program, developed and given/sold by a third party. Adobe Systems has little to no sway with how the folks behind PDF Compressor do business.

Hope this helps,

Randy

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