PDF Compression Tools: Free Options, Paid Trials and Quality Checks

A PDF compressor is useful only if its saved output meets your size and readability requirements. Free software, limited free services and paid trials are different offers. Choose the processing location before selecting a preset.

Free local Windows option: PDF24 Creator

PDF24 Creator offers free Windows tools for private and business use, including local compression. Open its compression tool, add the PDF, select output settings and save a separate copy. Compare file size and inspect small print and images. Its desktop application is distinct from PDF24’s online services.

Built-in Mac option: Preview

Open a copy in Preview, choose File > Export and select Reduce File Size in the Quartz Filter options. Apple’s compression instructions warn that quality can decrease. Use a new filename and inspect the result before replacing anything.

Paid applications and trials

Acrobat and other commercial applications may provide additional controls. A trial is not an unlimited free license: check whether it permits saving a usable file, whether a subscription starts and whether your required feature is included. Do not choose by an old price or trial duration.

Types of PDF Compression

When it comes to compressing PDF files, 2 types of compression exist. The compression types are as indicated below:

Lossless PDF Compression

This compression type re-organizes your data and stores it more effectively without compromising your document’s vital information. Lossless compression reduces the size of your file without diminishing the file’s quality.

Lossy PDF Compression

This type of compression results in the loss of quality and sometimes, lost data. Lossy compression is generally ideal for the compression of PDF files featuring multimedia data, including still images, audio, and video. Since lossy compression removes some data from the original PDF file, the resulting file occupies less space compared to the lossless-compressed PDF.

Choose by a representative result

1. Set the recipient’s real size limit.
2. Keep the original PDF and export a separate copy.
3. Compare size, smallest text, detailed images and required form or link behavior.
4. Use the least aggressive setting that meets the requirement.

No fixed output size or zero-loss result can be promised for every document. If you already use LeoPDFree for local compression, apply the same checks rather than assuming every file will shrink by the same amount.

Questions about your LeoPDF edition?

Contact xuehui@leopdf.com with your platform, app version and the task you need.