Reduce PDF Size on Mac: A Tutorial

Today’s blog post is a step-by-step guide to reduce the PDF file size on Mac. This will make your documents more manageable and easier to share.

Video Guide

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Here’s a breakdown of the steps:

1. Accessing the PDF File: Begin by locating the PDF file you wish to reduce on your Mac desktop.

2. Open with Preview: Right-click on the PDF file and select “Open with” from the context menu. Choose “Preview” as the default software for viewing the PDF.

How to open a PDF with Preview option on a Mac

3. Resaving the File: Navigate to the “File” menu and select “Export.” Give the file a new name during this step, although it’s not mandatory. This ensures clarity and organization, especially if you’re working with multiple versions of the same document.

4. Choosing the Compression Filter: In the export settings, locate the “Quartz Filter” dropdown menu. Select “Reduce File Size” from the options available. This filter optimizes the PDF, significantly reducing its size without compromising on quality.

Choosing reduce file size from the Quartz Filter on a Mac in order to reduce PDF size

5. Saving the Reduced PDF: Once you’ve selected the compression filter, click on the “Save” button to generate the reduced-size PDF. Your document is now streamlined and ready to be shared or stored.

Note that while Adobe Acrobat Pro DC is commonly used to reduce PDF size, the method demonstrated in the video works independently of specific software. This versatility makes it a valuable trick for Mac users seeking quick and efficient file size reduction.

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