Is Optimizing worth it?

[PatrickK80]

     Morning,  I am currently attempting to find out if optimizing a PDF is worth the time and effort.  I know it can decrease file size, however is there any draw backs?  Thank you all in advance. 

[Dov Isaacs]

The PDF “optimization” process is primarily oriented towards reducing PDF file size. In most cases, however, such file size reduction is lossy. You might lose image quality if you change compression type and/or resolution. You might have problems displaying text if you remove embedded fonts. You might lose searchability, editability, and/or the ability to export to other formats if you flatten transparency. The PDF “optimization” should be used with great caution. In general, if you find yourself using this function very often, you should question how (i.e., what options you specify) when you create the PDF files in question.

          - Dov

[PatrickK80]

I am scanning in paperwork so we can reduce the amount of paper we use for files. 

[barbara_a]

Dov,

I have always wondered what settings are used by Save as Other > Reduced Size PDF. Is it based on the settings that are in PDF Optimizer?

[Dov Isaacs]

The “Reduced Size PDF” is in fact based on the Optimized PDF option, but other that the PDF version specification (which can enable higher levels of lossless compress of object streams), there is no documentation as to what optimization settings are used.

I would personally not recommend using “Reduced Size PDF” since you have no control what is really being done.

          - Dov

[barbara_a]

Thanks, Dov.

[PatrickK80]

Would you use lossless if you are scanning in financial data and personal data?  I want to conserve as much data as I can because I know when this scanning project is done, it will take up a lot of data.