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reducing PDF files using Preview (OS Sierra)

please need some help downloading the filters to reduce the size of PDF files using Preview on (OS Sierra)

iMac 27″, OS X 10.10

Posted on Sep 3, 2020 9:46 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Sep 3, 2020 10:35 AM

Is is different than High Sierra?


  1. Open the PDF, then choose File > Export.
  2. Click the Quartz Filter pop-up menu, then choose Reduce File Size.


8 replies

Sep 5, 2020 11:16 AM in response to wmwill

When a PDF is generated, varying internal compression algorithms are automatically applied to the text and graphics. Further attempts at file size reduction are likely futile at the expense of legibility, and may actually increase the size of the PDF.


I propose that if you are creating the PDF, and enclosing high dpi image content, when somewhat lesser dpi image content would still look good, then start with image reduction using BDAqua's GraphicConverter recommendation. Once you have the images resized, and resampled, generate an original, smaller PDF with premium legibility.

reducing PDF files using Preview (OS Sierra)

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