How to Compress PDF Offline on Windows and Mac

Nowadays, popular platforms accept PDF files, but they often impose size restrictions. Large PDF files consume storage space and aren’t easily shared across platforms. To address this, consider hyper compress your PDF before uploading it for smoother sharing.

This post provides 3 free methods to assist you in compressing PDF files to an optimal size offline. You can find solutions for both Windows and Mac on this page.

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How to Compress PDF Offine with PDFgear Software[Windows and Mac]

We recommend that you use PDFgear version to compress PDF files offline. It is a versatile and reliable PDF tool designed to address a wide range of PDF-related needs. It is not just a simple PDF compressor, it also provides functions such as converting PDF, annotating PDF, and editing PDF, etc.

The PDF compressor provided by PDFgear software adopts the most effective MRC technology, which can accurately remove the blank or unnecessary parts of the file content, so as to compress the file size to the optimal state without losing PDF quality.

Step 1. Get PDFgear for Free

PDFgear software is compatible with Windows and Mac, just click the button below to download it and follow the on-screen instructions to install it on your computer.

Launch the PDFgear application. Within the application, locate the option or feature specifically designed for PDF compression.

Step 2. Add PDF Files You Want to Compress

Select the PDF file you want to compress from your computer by clicking on the “Add Files” button within the application. Specify the output path for easy find the compressed PDF files later.

Note: PDFgear supports the batch compress function, you can hold the Ctrl button and select multiple files at once to import.

Step 3. Batch Compress PDF Offline Now

You can typically select the level of compression that suits your needs.

PDFgear offers three compression modes: Low, Medium, and High. Remember, higher compression results in smaller file sizes.

After setting the compression preferences, initiate the batch compression process by clicking on the “Compress” button in the lower right corner of the window.

How to Reduce PDF Size on Mac with Preview

The built-in app Preview of Mac is mainly used to facilitate viewing PDF documents, but it can also be used as a simple PDF compressor. Preview can help Mac users compress the PDF size appropriately when there is no network or they don’t want to download third-party software.

Now let’s check out how it works.

Step 1. Open PDF

Now you should open a PDF with the Preview app. Simply right-click the PDF file and choose to open it with Preview.

Step 2. Export as PDF

Then you should tap the File button on the top menu bar and click the “Export as PDF” button.

Step 3. Reduce File Size

The export setting window will pop up, choose the Reduce File Size in the Quartz Filter and click the Save button. Now you can get your new PDF file reduced.

In addition to the Preview app, there’s also a similar tool for PDF users to compress PDF size offline too. Microsoft Word can be your PDF compressor which is easy to use.

How to Compress PDF Offline Using Microsoft Word

Although Microsoft Word is a Word processing software, its built-in function has the ability to reduce PDF size too.

If you have installed it on your computer, you can follow the detailed steps now.

Step 1. Open the PDF

Open the PDF you want to compress with Microsoft Word, the PDF will be automatically converted to a Word file that is editable.

Step 2. Export PDF

Now go to the File tab and hit the Export button. Then choose the “Save as” button on the pop-up window.

Step 3. Save New PDF

When you select an output folder, File Explorer will show up. Choose PDF as the saving type and click the Minimum Size button, then hit Save. Now you can get a smaller PDF file.

The Closing Words

These 3 offline methods mentioned in the article will work for both Mac and Windows users to compress PDF files. However, it’s important to note that the Preview app on Mac and Microsoft Word are not professional PDF compressors. They have fixed compression effects that may result in loss of quality.

In contrast, PDFgear ensures file quality through MRC technology and allows manual selection of the compression effect. We recommend using PDFgear software as your go-to PDF compression tool.