How to Compress a PDF: A Simple Guide to Smaller File Sizes

Hi! I’m Shawn Jordison and welcome to The Accessibility Guy blog. In today’s post, we’re learning how to compress a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro. Compressing PDFs makes large files quick and easy to share. You can reduce a PDF size by 20% to 30% without compromising quality or readability.

Video Guide

Following this guide will teach you how to customize Adobe’s compression settings so you always satisfy upload file size limits.

Check the current PDF file size

  1. Open your PDF and click the Menu Button.
  2. Choose “Document Properties.”
  3. Note your file size.
Checking the file size of a PDF

Open the compression tool

  1. Go to the Tools Panel and choose “Compress a PDF.”
  2. Select “Advanced Optimization.”

Customize the compression tool settings

  1. Choose “Retaining Existing” for compatibility.
  2. Set “Downsampling” to Off.
  3. Set “Compression” to Retain Existing for color, grayscale, and monochrome images.
  4. Click “OK” and save your PDF.
Customizing compression settings in a PDF

Final thoughts

Try testing different settings for different file sizes. The greater the compression, the greater the impact will be on the quality and readability of your finished product. For example, change “Downsampling” or “Compression” settings on smaller and larger PDFs to gauge your results.

There you have it – you’ve learned how to compress a PDF by customizing the compression settings in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Remember, I can be your accessibility expert. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates.

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How to Resize a PDF

Welcome to today’s blog post, where we’re learning how to resize a PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro. Downsizing large PDFs saves disk space, bandwidth, and computer memory. It also allows for paper size adjustment when printing.

Video Guide

Follow these steps to resize a PDF in just a few short minutes.

Check Your Current PDF Page Size

  1. Open PDF in Adobe Acrobat Pro.
  2. Select Menu Button.
  3. Choose Document Properties.
  4. Note the current page size. (e.g., 11×17 inches)

Open Print Command

  1. Press Ctrl + P on keyboard.
  2. Change printer to Adobe PDF.
  3. Click Properties button.

Adjust Paper Quality

  1. Select Paper Quality tab.
  2. Under Paper Source, keep as Automatically Select.
  3. Click Advanced.
Advanced paper quality options in Adobe Acrobat Pro

Edit PDF Page Size

  1. In Paper Size, scrool down to Postscript Custom Page Size.
  2. Click Edit Custom Page Size.
  3. Enter your desired dimensions. In this case we chose 8.5 x 11 inches.
  4. Click OK, and then OK again.
Choosing a custom page size in Adobe Acrobat Pro

Print and Save

  1. Click OK one more time.
  2. And then select Print.
  3. Save your new PDF file.

Confirm Your Resized PDF

  1. Click Menu Button.
  2. Choose Document Properties.
  3. Check new page size.
Checking the page size of a PDF.

That’s it! You’re done. Your PDF has been successfully resized. Note: This information is accurate as of the last Adobe Acrobat update, August 2023. Always check the latest software guidelines for updates.

Remember, I can be your accessibility expert. For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!

More posts like this:

How to Update Tooltips in a PDF

Welcome to today’s blog post. We’re discussing the importance of adding unique tooltips to PDF form fields with the same name. This boosts the accessibility of a PDF. Video Guide…

How to set document properties and language in Microsoft Word | Section 508 for Word

Microsoft Word Accessibility is crucial for creating inclusive content. In this guide, learn how to set document properties to achieve section 508 compliance.

The comprehensive list for Section 508 Compliance for Word documents

Video Overview:

Microsoft Word Accessibility: Setting Document Properties

Microsoft Word Accessibility is crucial for producing inclusive content. If you’ve been following our series, you know the commitment to making Word documents section 508 compliant. Today, we dive deeper into setting document properties, ensuring they align with the standards. Dont forget to download the checklist:

Download MS Word 508 Checklist:

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Steps to Adjust Properties for Accessibility

Accessing Document Properties: Start by selecting the “File” button. Next, choose “Info.” Dive into the properties menu and select “Advanced Properties.”

setting the advanced properties

This action pops up a window.

Setting the Title: For this guide, our title is “The Evolution and Impacts of Professional Wrestling.”

Designating the Subject: Think of the subject as a brief description. Here, it’s a timeline highlighting significant wrestling events.

Author and Keywords: Set the author to “Shawn Jordison, the Accessibility Guy.” Keywords help in document searchability. Add terms like “wrestling history” and “accessibility.”

Set doc properties


Document Language

Choosing Document Language: Set the document language via the search button. Opt for “Proofing Language,” then “Set Proofing Language.” While you can set the entire document’s language, Word also offers flexibility in adjusting individual sections, especially if you’re juggling multiple languages. Confirm “English (United States)” before proceeding.

set the proofing language

Microsoft Word Accessibility is more than just ticking boxes—it ensures content inclusivity. Ensure you set these properties right, enhancing content accessibility for everyone.

Remember, accessibility isn’t a one-time job. It’s a continuous commitment. With every document, take the time to ensure it’s accessible. A few moments can make a world of difference to someone.

For those who found value in our series, your support means everything. Engage with our content, share it, and spread the word on the importance of accessibility. And as always, hit that like and subscribe button.

For more detailed insights, tutorials, and in-depth discussions on accessibility and related topics, don’t forget to check out my YouTube channel: The Accessibility Guy on YouTube. Subscribe for regular updates!

OR – I can do all the work for you: