Optimizing a PDF

The following was created using Adobe Acrobat version 2025.001.20467 obtained from a Creative Cloud subscription. Other versions may differ in how to optimize a PDF or reduce the size. Some versions may have the options within the Save dialog box or use other menu options or tools to optimize or compress the document.

Steps to Optimize the PDF

1.     Optionally, make a backup copy of the original PDF in case you need to revert to it.

2.     Open the PDF to be optimized.

3.     Choose Compress a PDF from the All tools menu (Figure 1).

4.     Select Optimized Scanned Pages (Figure 2).

5.     The Enhanced Scanned PDF will appear.

6.     Accept the defaults and click OK (Figure 3).

7.     Save the PDF.

An alternative method is the online tool provided by Adobe. Although less effective, it is an easy and free option to compress a PDF.