How to Resize a PDF without Acrobat

When dealing with PDF documents, resizing them can be a common necessity, especially when considering file sizes, compatibility, or sharing requirements. While Adobe Acrobat is a popular tool for PDF manipulation, there are alternative methods available for resizing PDFs without the need for Acrobat.

Megon Venter

Blog Author - B2B SaaS Content Writer

Megon is a B2B SaaS Content Writer with 7 years of experience in content strategy and execution. Her expertise lies in the creation of document management tutorials and product comparisons.

The Purpose of Resizing a PDF

Resizing a PDF serves various purposes, offering flexibility and adaptability to different scenarios. Here are some common purposes for resizing a PDF:

1. File Size Optimization:

   • Purpose: Resizing is often done to optimize the file size of a PDF.
   • Explanation: Large PDF files can be cumbersome to share, especially via email or on websites. Resizing reduces the file size, making it easier to transmit, upload, and download.
     
     

2. Web Compatibility:

   • Purpose: Ensuring compatibility with online platforms.
   • Explanation: Many websites and online platforms have limitations on file sizes. Resizing a PDF helps meet these constraints, enabling smooth uploads and downloads.
     
     

3. Email Attachments:

   • Purpose: Facilitating efficient email communication.
   • Explanation: Email services often have attachment size limits. Resizing a PDF ensures that it remains within these limits, preventing issues with sending or receiving emails.
     
     

4. Printing Considerations:

   • Purpose: Adjusting for different printing requirements.
   • Explanation: Printing a large PDF can result in significant resource consumption. Resizing allows for adjusting the document to fit specific paper sizes or printing preferences.
     
     

5. Reducing Storage Space:

   • Purpose: Managing storage resources effectively.
   • Explanation: Large PDF files can consume significant storage space on devices or cloud platforms. Resizing helps conserve storage while retaining the essential content of the document.
     
     

6. Improving Loading Times:

   • Purpose: Enhancing the user experience for online viewing.
   • Explanation: For PDFs intended for online viewing, resizing can improve loading times. Smaller file sizes load more quickly, providing a better experience for users accessing the document online.
     
     

7. Meeting Platform Requirements:

   • Purpose: Adhering to specific platform or software requirements.
   • Explanation: Some platforms may have restrictions on the maximum allowable file size for PDFs. Resizing ensures compliance with these requirements.
     
     

8. Mobile Device Compatibility:

   • Purpose: Ensuring readability on mobile devices.
   • Explanation: Large PDFs may not display optimally on smaller screens. Resizing ensures that the document is easily readable and navigable on various mobile devices.
     
     

9. Network Bandwidth Considerations:

   • Purpose: Minimizing the impact on network resources.
   • Explanation: In networked environments, especially with limited bandwidth, resizing PDFs reduces the time and resources required for file transfers.
     
     

10. Compliance with Submission Guidelines:

    • Purpose: Meeting submission guidelines for various applications.
    • Explanation: Certain applications, such as online forms or submission portals, may have specific requirements for file sizes. Resizing ensures adherence to these guidelines.

How to Resize a PDF on Windows

Use PDF Reader Pro to quickly and easily resize any PDF on your Windows operating system. 

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Step 1: Select "Compress" from Home Menu

This will open your file library.



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 2: Choose the Files to Change

Select from the options to change PDF size. 

Step 3: Confirm Changes

Click "Compress" to finalize the process.



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro 

How to Resize a PDF on Mac

Easily resize any PDF without having to use Adobe Reader on your Mac operating system.

Step 1: Open Your Individual Document

Click "Open File" or drag and drop the PDF file format into the home screen. 



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 2: Click the File Button

Select the option for a compressed PDF file. 



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

Step 3: Finalize File Contents

This will save the PDF while retaining most of its original quality.



Image Source: PDF Reader Pro

"Using PDF Reader Pro has made my daily workday so much easier. I can do everything I need, like combining files or adding notes, all in one place. It speeded my document management and every task I work on."

Johan Müller

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Source: LinkedIn

You can also check our recommendations on How to Resize PDF in Acrobat.

Best Practices for Resizing PDFs

• Backup Your Original File: Before making any changes, ensure you have a backup of the original PDF to avoid accidental data loss.

• Maintain Image Quality: When resizing, be mindful of potential quality loss. Adjust settings to balance file size reduction with image clarity.

• Check Compression Options: Explore advanced settings in tools or software for compression options to tailor the resized PDF to your needs.
  
  

"I always used more than one PDF Reader before finding PDF Reader Pro because none of them had all the tools I needed in one platform. Now I only use PDF Reader Pro due to its efficient suite of tools!"

Naaziyah Ismail

B2B SaaS Content Writer

Source: LinkedIn

FAQ Section: PDF Resizing

These FAQs provide insights into using Adobe Acrobat and alternative methods for resizing PDF files, offering flexibility and guidance for users seeking efficient solutions for PDF management.

What is Adobe Acrobat, and how does it differ from Adobe Acrobat Pro and Adobe Acrobat DC?

Adobe Acrobat is a family of software developed by Adobe Systems for creating, editing, and managing PDF documents. Adobe Acrobat Pro and Adobe Acrobat DC are two versions of Adobe Acrobat with varying features. Adobe Acrobat DC (Document Cloud) is the newer subscription-based version that includes cloud services and additional functionalities over Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Can I resize PDF files using Adobe Acrobat Pro or Adobe Acrobat DC?

Yes, both Adobe Acrobat Pro and Adobe Acrobat DC offer features for resizing PDF files. You can use the "Reduce File Size" option to compress and resize PDFs while maintaining the original formatting and quality.

Are there alternatives to Adobe Acrobat for resizing PDF files?

Absolutely. There are various alternatives, including online services and PDF editors such as Foxit PhantomPDF, Nitro Pro, or PDF-XChange Editor. Online tools like Google Drive and online PDF compressors also provide resizing options.

How can I use online services like Google Drive to resize a PDF?

Upload your PDF to Google Drive, right-click on the file, open it with Google Docs, and then download it as a PDF again. This process can help reduce the file size.

Does resizing a PDF affect the quality of images and the original formatting?

Resizing a PDF may affect image quality, particularly if compression is applied. It's crucial to balance file size reduction with image clarity. Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Acrobat DC, and other tools often provide options to control the level of compression and maintain quality.

Can I use online tools for resizing PDF files, and do they offer compression options?

Yes, online tools like SmallPDF or iLovePDF provide resizing options with compression settings. These tools often allow you to customize compression options based on your preferences and requirements.

Is Adobe Acrobat Reader suitable for resizing PDF files?

Adobe Acrobat Reader is primarily a PDF viewer and does not provide advanced editing features like resizing. For resizing, consider using Adobe Acrobat Pro, Adobe Acrobat DC, or other dedicated PDF editors.

How do compression options in PDF optimizers impact the final file size?

Compression options in PDF optimizers allow you to control the level of compression applied to images and other elements within the PDF. Higher compression may result in a smaller file size but could lead to a reduction in image quality. It's essential to choose settings that balance file size and quality based on your preferences.

Resizing a PDF without Adobe Acrobat is a straightforward process with various online services, PDF editors, and specialized tools. Whether you prefer the convenience of online platforms or the advanced features of dedicated software, these alternatives offer flexibility for resizing PDFs to meet your specific requirements.