Interactive pdfs are suddenly exporting as large file sizes

[venus_k]

Since last week, pdfs exported from InDesign as Interactive are unexpectedly large – like 12.5 MB instead of 2-3 MB. I tried using the smallest resolution too, but previously I used the default Interactive specs and resolution size of 144 PPI and still had small files. 

When I open and re-save them as “reduce file size” or “optimize" in Acrobat, the pdfs don’t get smaller. That has been my workaround in the past, but these pdfs can't be reduced in size more than 1MB.

This is happening across multiple InDesign projects, but I have one template I have used for years and been able to always save it out to a small size. There is nothing unusual or new with the content of the files that I can discern. The template file which I'm troubleshooting doesn't even have transparency and the placed images are either small vector files or compressed jpgs.

What I tried: 

• I tried exporting from three InDesign versions.
• I installed the Adobe PPD and made the pdf the old-fashioned way with a Postscript dump and then Distilling it – that produced the expected 2.3MB file, but I lose all my web links and have to create them manually.
• I also tried saving the pdf out in parts to see if a specific section is a problem, and the parts were all equally large sizes.
  
  Mac OS Mojave running newest CS apps.

Ideas?

[Laubender · Accepted solution]

Hi venus_k,

you said:

"…that produced the expected 2.3MB file, but I lose all my web links and have to create them manually."

No. You can do this differently.

Create two PDF files:

A. Export with interactive features

B. Print to PostScript, distill to PDF

Open the PDF from A in Acrobat Pro DC.

Subsitute all pages of A with the pages from B.

That should reduce file size and your interactive elements should be maintained.

I'm on Windows 10 so I will not be able to help if there are issues perhaps related to the Mac OS.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender

( ACP )

[venus_k]

Thanks for this workaround! It will help with some upcoming projects. I'm not a novice user - I've been using Adobe since before Photoshop had layers. I recently fixed a tech issue with other software (my ISP was blocking their update server) and told their tech support how I fixed it – so I have experience troubleshooting all kinds of things. This issue has me perplexed – and it's interfering with my work product.

My next troubleshooting steps will be deleting system files that are delete-able to reset settings, and uninstalling/reinstalling the app, updating my OS and finally a full clean install (complete wipe) of my computer. I'm hoping that Adobe support could help before I have to go that far.

[Eugene Tyson · Accepted solution]

I wouldn't bother with the Interactive PDF export.

File>export and choose Smallest file size

Then make sure that Hyperlinks are selected in the bottom of the Export Adobe PDF dialog box.

[venus_k]

Hi, I like that there might be a workaround, but when I choose "Export" there are only two PDF options: Print and Interactive – am I missing something here? Thanks!

.

[Derek Cross · Accepted solution]

There are Adobe PDF presets available from InDesign. 

You need to check with your printer, but PDF/X-4 is normally recommended.

[boocheroo]

Hi Venus_k. Did you solve this problem?

I'm encountering exactly the same problem. Interactive export of more or less same project in InDesign as in 2024. Last year it was 11mb. This yer 52mb. Tried making PDF with InDesign 24, but same rsult. Frustrating

[Laubender]

Hi @boocheroo ,

you say: "… more or less same project …".

Well, test exactly the same project with InDesign 2025 and then do the comparison of file sizes.

Could be that something important is different in your current project you do now with InDesign 2025.

Check your individual settings for PDF Export (Interactive) in InDesign 2024 and 2025. They should be exactly the same.

Note: You can have installed and run InDesign 2024 and 2025 at the same time on the same machine side by side.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

[boocheroo]

Thanks Uwe

I have discovered that a row of interactive icons set up on master pages that contain a graduation/hyperlink and placed illustrator icon are causeing the oroblem. Ive turned that layer off and the MB file is 12,5 ibnstead of 52MB.

Exploring further. Thanks for replying §;-)

[Laubender]

Hi @boocheroo ,

well, then I would check the metadata of the graphics and images that are placed on that particular layer.

Could be that the amount of metadata is the cause of the problem.

Regards,
Uwe Laubender
( Adobe Community Expert )

[BobLevine]

Since this post is four years old, I'm going to lock it. If you have further issues, it's best to start a new discussion with full details including screenshots and sample files.