How to Reduce PDF File Size Online

PDF files can get too big too quickly and instead of being portable, they get chunky. That’s why many users look for a PDF size reducer tool. So if you feel you are in the same boat, we have got you covered!

In this piece, I’ll show how you can reduce PDF file sizes using our free online tool. Similarly, I’ll cover some essential 101 knowledge about the file type. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

PDF 101

What’s PDF?

Portable Document Format or PDF is a file format that was developed by Adobe in 1992. The company made it possible to present documents with the support of multimedia and being independent of any software, operating system or hardware.

PDF format is an open standard maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). A PDF doc can support the following things:

As an alternative to hard-copy, PDF also supports e-Sign. This means, you can electronically sign a PDF file and invite others to do the same thing.

To secure your documents, you can lock the PDF files so that no one gets to edit and change them. You can also find and remove hidden data along with permanently deleting sensitive stuff.

Adobe brought PDF format to life for making documents shareable, portable, viewable, and secure on any device and anywhere.

How to View & Edit PDFs?

As a standard file format, you can open PDFs on any operating system, software and hardware. There’s no special requirement to view a PDF file as it’s made to be standard across all digital technology. Here are some of the software programs you can use to easily view any PDF file:

Now, when it comes to editing a PDF file, things get a bit tough. As PDF files are primarily meant for viewing and sharing, not all software that supports opening them have the ability to edit them.

But hey, the need of editing a PDF file or more like unlocking it can arrive at any moment, right? So, fear not, here are some of the programs that let you easily edit PDF files:

Where Are PDF Files Used?

Just like hard-copies, you'll have PDFs literally everywhere. Be it a digital book folder of a freshman or accounts department of a law firm, you’ll find PDFs in mobiles, computers, cloud storage, etc.

As PDF is an alternative for hard-copies, they are found in all places where there is a need for a document. As a matter of fact, you’ll find more PDF files as compared to paper-copies as they are portable, flexible, and easily shareable.

How to Reduce a PDF File:

1. Visit the official website of PDFBear and scroll down.
2. Click Compress PDF.
3. Next, click on the blue Select Files… button.
4. Select the PDF file you want to compress and open it.
5. Now, you’ll see two options - Basic Compression and Strong Compression. I’m picking the first option as it’s free and enough for most users.
6. Click on the blue CHOOSE OPTION button to confirm your choice.
7. Lastly, click on the blue Download button to save your new compressed PDF file.

Final Words

That’s how you can reduce the file size of a PDF file using our in-house tool for free. Like the service? There are many other PDF tools on PDFBear that you’ll love - don’t forget to check them out! And while you are at it, get a free trial of the PRO version and discover tons of advanced features.