It can be so frustrating when adding comments to a pdf increases the file size dramatically.
In my example below it went from 89KB to 1,182KB for a simple text box.
Searching Google on in it can be infuriating too, posts asking if a huge image or something has been added, or information on how to optimize a pdf. I've found plenty of workarounds to reduce my file size after adding comments blew it up, but I just want to add the comments and be done.
Good news is that,
Today I learned that the font I was using in the comment increases the file size.
After changing my font selection from Arial to Helvetica the file size barely changes at all.
It would be super helpful to have an easy way to identify which fonts won't blow up my file size, but for now I'll just stick with Helvetica, or test each font before using. Once I've used Arial in a comment it is easier to start over than to try and remove the font from the pdf as just deleting the text does not reduce the file back to its original size.
Hopefully this will help someone else experiencing the same issue of dramatic file size increase when adding comments to a pdf. Perhaps someone will suggest an easy way for me to identify which fonts are preferred for comments on a pdf?
I've attached a few screen shots below for reference.
Cheers,
Dan
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Replies
RE: Test_Screen_Name
Adobe Acrobat Pro 2107
2017 Release ( Classic) Version: 17.11.30156
Using : Tools / Comment / Text, or Text Box to add comments to existing pdf.
Same issue exists with Acrobat Standard 2015 and probably older versions as well.
I have not tested on later subscription versions but I expect adding text comments directly onto any pdf will affect file size and using a non-standard font will dramatically increase the file size because it embeds the entire font into the file.
Here is another post addressing the font issue: Why are simple comments substantially increasing file sizes?
Cheers,
Dan
The fonts that appear at the top of the dropdown list are delivered with the application and don't increase file size as much as the the rest.
I ran some simple trial & error tests with the fonts circled in the screenshot below and they all worked OK although some still increase file size by 100KB or more. For general comments when file size is a concern pick one that works & stick with it.
This has been a source of frustration for me for several years now and I am happy to finally understand why it was happening and how to prevent it. I am a Controls Engineer / System Integrator & generally use comments for marking up a sensor spec sheet or control drawing and it is super frustrating when small files meant for email expand greatly and become cumbersome to share....life will be easier now š
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