5 Ways to Reduce PDF File Size

2026-02-20

Email attachment limits, slow uploads, and storage constraints all point to the same problem: your PDF is too big. The good news is that most PDFs contain far more data than necessary, and you can significantly reduce file size without destroying quality. Here are five proven methods.

1. Use a PDF Compressor

The most direct method is running your file through a dedicated compressor. Luleit's PDF compressor reduces file size by recompressing images, removing duplicate resources, and stripping unnecessary metadata. You can typically cut file size by 50 to 80 percent with minimal visible quality loss. Choose a lower quality setting for email sharing or a higher setting for print-ready output.

2. Remove Unnecessary Pages

Sometimes the simplest solution is the best. If your 30-page PDF has 10 pages of appendices that the recipient does not need, split the file and send only the relevant pages. Fewer pages mean a smaller file, and the recipient gets a more focused document.

3. Reduce Image Resolution

Images are the biggest contributor to PDF bloat. A single high-resolution photo can add several megabytes. If your PDF will be viewed on screen rather than printed, images at 150 DPI are more than sufficient. Reducing from 300 DPI to 150 DPI cuts image data by roughly 75 percent with no noticeable difference on a monitor.

4. Re-export from the Source

If you have access to the original document in Word, PowerPoint, InDesign, or another application, re-export the PDF with optimized settings. Most applications offer a save option like 'Minimum Size' or 'Optimize for Web' that applies compression during the export process. This often produces better results than compressing after the fact.

5. Use Optimized Save (Linearization)

PDF editors that support 'Optimized Save' or 'Linearized PDF' restructure the internal file format for efficiency. This removes orphaned objects, deduplicates fonts, and organizes the file for faster web loading. The size reduction is modest compared to image compression, but it adds up, especially for text-heavy documents with many pages.