What is PDF Compression?

Reducing PDF file size by re-encoding images, subsetting fonts, removing duplicates, and optimizing object streams.

PDF compression operates on multiple layers: image streams (JPEG/JPEG2000/JBIG2), font subsetting, removal of unused objects, and object-stream compression. Aggressive compression downsamples images and can degrade quality; balanced compression keeps text crisp while shrinking images.

Also known as

  • PDF optimization
  • shrink PDF

Related terms

  • Linearized PDF — A PDF reorganized so the first page can render before the whole file finishes downloading — also called 'Fast Web View'.

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Category: Workflow