Why do the photos look bad when I export to PDF?

[MarieMeyer]

I'm attaching a link to an InDesign file containing a presentation and a PDF I made from it. Can someone tell me why the photos look bad in the PDF?

PDF link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lswg6o6bml3p4oi/PitchDeckLarger.pdf?dl=0

InDesign Link

https://www.dropbox.com/s/gpx6whwd1zbevgz/PitchDeckLarger.indd?dl=0

[BobLevine]

What were your export settings?

[MarieMeyer]

Smallest file size.

[Barb Binder · Accepted solution]

Hi Marie:

Smallest file size applies the highest compression settings to your images, resulting in the smallest PDFs. Try a different export setting. The export settings are explained here: https://blogs.adobe.com/contentcorner/2017/04/19/optimal-settings-to-create-print-ready-pdfs/

~Barb

[MarieMeyer]

That fixed the problem. Now the PDF is 2.5MB (I used "High Quality Print"). Can I have my cake and eat it too: a nice looking file and a smaller size?

[Test Screen Name]

You have to find the balance you need to “own” the settings, not just use presets. There is a lot of control. But you can’t have all your cake and eat all of it. 

[Barb Binder]

Try Standard. 

~Barb