3 Quick and Easy Ways to Compress PDF File Size on Mac

Ever tried to upload a PDF only to be met with a frustrating error message about file size limitations? Or maybe opening a graphic-heavy PDF takes forever to load? If you're a Mac user facing these struggles, you're not alone. PDFs with embedded images can quickly become cumbersome. But worry not! This guide dives into 3 effective methods on how to reduce PDF file size on Mac.

This way, you can share and work with your PDFs seamlessly without sacrificing image clarity. Let's explore these solutions and find the perfect fit for your needs!

Part 1: Reduce PDF File Size on Mac With Easy Online Tool [Best for Beginners]

The easiest and simplest way to reduce PDF file size on Mac is through the FVC Free PDF Compressor. This online tool is free and can be accessed and used by any user due to its accessibility and user-friendly interface. With this tool, you can shrink your PDF file size up to 100 KB below while maintaining its quality.

Step 1. On their main interface, click on the Add PDF File button to import the PDF that you want to compress.

Step 2. After selecting the PDF that you want to compress, click Open to process the conversion.

Step 3. Once you've finished, you can preview the compressed PDF file and then click the Download the PDF button to save it.

Indeed, with the FVC Free PDF Compressor, you can compress the size of PDF files on a Mac with just one click. Moreover, it works on cross-platform so that you can compress PDF on Windows, mobile, and more.

Plus, the tool's online nature makes it accessible from any operating system, which offers maximum convenience.

Part 2: Reduce PDF File Size on Mac With Built-in Photo Editor

If you’re a Mac user, you can try Preview to reduce PDF file size on your computer. This built-in application on Mac can actually act as a basic PDF compressor! It doesn't have all the necessary features of a dedicated PDF compression tool, but it's a convenient option for simple size reduction.

Step 1. On your Preview, first, you need to import the PDF file that needs to be reduced by going to the File menu tab and clicking the Open button.

Step 2. After that, go to the File tab and select Export.

Step 3. In this window, scroll down, click on Quartz Filter, and select Reduce Size file. Lastly, click on Save to export the PDF that you have compressed.

If you’re a Mac user, you can definitely enjoy the convenience of using Preview to compress PDF files. However, keep in mind that using this tool may lower the quality of embedded images in the PDF.

Part 3: Reduce PDF File Size on Mac With Professional Software

If you want a professional tool to reduce PDF file size on Mac, the best tool is Adobe Acrobat. This tool is a comprehensive PDF management tool that allows users to significantly reduce the file size of PDFs while maintaining high quality. It offers advanced compression options and settings, giving users greater control over the balance between file size and quality. Adobe Acrobat is widely recognized for its robust features and effectiveness in managing and optimizing PDF documents.

Step 1. First, launch the tool, go to the File tab, and click Open to import the PDF that you want to compress.

Step 2. Once the PDF is open, go to the File tab, click Save as Other, and choose Reduced Size PDF.

Step 3. Re-name your PDF and click Save. Your compressed PDF will be saved directly to your computer.

Adobe Acrobat is an excellent choice for those needing a professional solution to compress PDF files on a Mac. It provides advanced compression options and maintains high quality, making it ideal for users who require precise control over their PDFs. However, it is a complex tool and requires a subscription, which might not be suitable for everyone.

Part 4: Comparison of the 3 Methods to Reduce PDF File Size on Mac

Each PDF compressor tool has its own unique set of advantages. FVC Free PDF Compressor, an online tool, stands out for its fast compression and offers a wide range of reduction rates, making it ideal for users who prioritize speed and accessibility. Preview, native to macOS, provides moderate compression times and rates, catering to users seeking simplicity and convenience. On the other hand, Adobe Acrobat impresses with its cross-platform compatibility and fast compression, making it suitable for users across macOS, Windows, and Linux platforms.

Part 5: FAQs about Reducing PDF File Size on Mac

Conclusion

The need to compress PDF to a more manageable size is vital in moments when opening and uploading the file becomes challenging. Now that you know 3 different ways how to compress PDF file size on Mac, it’s time for you to solve this problem. But first, try which one suits you best and right after that, compress them.