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Compressing PDF Files
Compressing PDF Files

Learn how to compress your PDF files before uploading them to Smashcut

Valeriya Golovina avatar
Written by Valeriya Golovina
Updated over a week ago

Compressing a PDF makes the file smaller so it takes up less storage space and loads faster during your live video meetings and conferences.

We highly recommend to compress your PDF files before uploading them to 'My Files' or submitting as assignments. Please use the following compression tools for your PDF files, especially if they have a lot of photos and images.

Online PDF Compressors

You can look up any online PDF Compressors such as: smallpdf, ilovepdf.

Upload your file and it will convert it to a smaller size. You can then download it and upload to Smashcut.

Adobe Acrobat

In the latest version of Adobe Acrobat, open the PDF you wish to re-save as a smaller file, choose File, Save as Other, and then Reduced Size PDF. You’ll be prompted to select the version compatibility you need and then you can click OK to save. We recommend setting your compatibility with at least Acrobat X, as that version is still widely used.

Preview on Mac

Preview is Apple's native image viewer app that's automatically included with most versions of Mac OS. You can open Preview by double-clicking on the blue Preview icon that looks like overlapping snapshots in your Applications folder in the Finder.

You can navigate to the PDF file on your computer and double-click it to open it in Preview by default, or you can use the following steps to open a PDF in Preview:

  • Click on File in the menu bar at the top.

  • Click Open... in the drop-down menu.

  • Select a file in the dialog box.

  • Click on Open.

Click on File. It's in the menu bar at the top of the screen. This displays the drop-down menu. Choose Export and you will see a dialog box open.

Select "PDF" as the file format. Use the drop-down menu next to "Format" to select "PDF". Select "Reduce File Size" next to "Quartz Filter".

Select a location in which to save the PDF.

If you have run into issues or have a question, please reach out to Smashcut Support Team via Help Chat button.

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