Will compressing a PDF in Preview affect editable content?

Compressing a PDF in Preview mainly reduces file size by lowering image and graphic quality. The process does not remove the ability to edit text, so searchable and editable elements remain intact. However, using the “Reduce File Size” filter can introduce compression artifacts in images and graphics, making them less sharp, while text stays readable and editable.

Can I undo PDF compression in Preview?

No. When you save a compressed PDF in Preview, the modifications are permanent because compression removes data, such as image resolution. Hence, it’s not possible to directly “uncompress” the file. To avoid losing data, keep a copy of the original PDF. However, if the PDF is still open, you might revert to an earlier version or recover it from backups.

Is it possible to compress multiple PDFs at once in Preview?

Preview lacks a built-in option to compress several PDF files simultaneously. To process multiple PDFs simultaneously, you would need to use additional tools such as Automator. Alternatively, use third-party tools such as SwifDoo PDF, made for batch PDF compression.

How to Compress a PDF in Preview on Mac [Quick Guide]

Introduction:

Large PDF files are often hard to share, upload, or manage efficiently. Compressing a PDF decreases file size, making sharing easier, uploads faster, and storage more efficient while maintaining readability and functionality. Today, in this SwifDoo PDF guide, let's learn how to compress a PDF in Preview on Mac.

Can You Compress a PDF in Preview?

Yes. Preview on macOS makes it easy to reduce the PDF file size on Mac.

Reducing file size ensures smoother file handling while keeping documents accessible and readable. It is especially useful for large documents with images or scanned pages. Preview provides a simple, effective way to optimize PDFs while maintaining sufficient quality for viewing, sharing, and record-keeping.

Steps to Compress a PDF in Preview

Reducing the size of a PDF in Preview is quick and straightforward. This section explains two built-in techniques to compress a PDF in Preview on Mac. The first approach uses the Export feature for straightforward, fast compression, while the second uses advanced settings to control file size and output quality more effectively.

1. Use the Export Feature

The Export feature in Preview is the quickest way to compress a PDF on a Mac. It lets you automatically shrink file size with minimal effort. See how to reduce size of a PDF in Preview through the Export feature.

Step 1. Start the Preview application on your Mac.

Step 2. Open the PDF you want to reduce in size. Next, select the File menu at the top and choose the Export… option.

Step 3. From the Quartz Filter menu, select Reduce File Size.

Step 4. Finally, press Save to save the compressed PDF.

Note:

If you’re asked whether you want to replace the existing file, do one of the following:

Replace the existing file: Tap Save.
Choose a different filename for the new file: Click Cancel, type a new filename in the Export As field, and then press Save.

2. Advanced Features to Compress PDF

Advanced features in Preview let you compress a PDF with greater control over quality and file size. These settings are useful when you want better results than basic compression while keeping the document clear and readable.

Find out how to compress a PDF in Preview on Mac using advanced features.

Step 1. Go to the Preview app on your Mac.

Step 2. Open the PDF you want to reduce in size. Next, select the File menu at the top and choose the Export… option.

Step 3. In the window that pops up, opt for any of the following tickboxes:

Create Linearised PDF: Optimise the PDF for fast loading and viewing in web browsers.
Optimise images for screen: Optimise images for screen viewing to reduce file size.
Save images as JPEG: Convert images to JPEG format, which uses image compression.

Step 4. After you’ve chosen the preferred option, press Save.

Note: When prompted to replace the file, click Save to overwrite it. Alternatively, choose Cancel, enter a new filename, then click Save again.

Bonus Tip: How to Edit and Manage PDFs Easily

You’ve seen the most straightforward native ways to compress a PDF on Mac for free, without extra tools. However, Preview has drawbacks; although fine for basic tasks, it does not offer advanced editing features.

For instance, you cannot edit a PDF with Preview, make major text changes, or modify advanced elements without specialized PDF software. This is where SwifDoo PDF proves to be a great choice.

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SwifDoo PDF is a robust tool that allows users to edit documents easily. As the best PDF editor for Mac, it allows you to modify existing text, add or remove content, adjust fonts, and reorganize pages with precision. Its user-friendly interface makes PDF editing simple, efficient, and precise, even for documents that Preview cannot handle.

⭐ Key Features of SwifDoo PDF

Read, annotate, highlight, compress, merge, and split PDF documents.
Convert PDF documents to and from other formats like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and images.
Works seamlessly across all devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, as well as online (web) services.

Ready to manage all aspects of your documents? Download SwifDoo PDF today and easily change text in PDF without limitations. Whether you need to update, correct, or enhance your files, SwifDoo PDF makes editing fast, precise, and hassle-free. Enjoy using a professional PDF editor to streamline your Mac workflow.

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A Quick Wrap Up

When handling PDFs on a Mac, keeping file size under control is important. Here, we’ve looked at simple and advanced options for how to compress a PDF in Preview on Mac.

Preview makes reducing file size simple without extra tools, but it cannot handle advanced editing tasks. For higher-level tasks, such as editing text or making precise edits, tools like SwifDoo PDF can complement Preview and optimize your PDF workflow. Hope this guide is helpful!

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