Reduce PDF size with video attachments

Hi there, thanks for reaching out!

When it comes to PDFs with embedded video files, it’s important to note that Acrobat does not compress or re-encode video content during PDF optimization. Here’s a breakdown of how you can manage file size and what to expect:

Why PDF Size Stays Large with Videos:

• Embedded videos (like MP4 files) are stored as-is within the PDF.

• Acrobat’s “Reduce File Size” or “Optimize PDF” tools only affect PDF objects—such as images, fonts, and unused metadata—not embedded media.

• So even if you optimize the PDF, the video files retain their original size.

What You Can Do:

To truly reduce the overall PDF size:

1. Compress the video before embedding:

   • Use a tool like HandBrake or Adobe Media Encoder to reduce video resolution or bitrate.

   • Aim for formats like H.264 in .mp4 for maximum compatibility and small file size.

    

2. Link instead of embed:

   • Instead of embedding, consider adding a clickable link to stream the video from a hosting platform (like Adobe Experience Manager, YouTube, or your internal server).

   • This keeps the PDF size very small and improves delivery speed.

    

3. Remove unnecessary embedded videos:

   • If older or duplicate videos are embedded, use Edit PDF > Rich Media > Delete to remove them.