How to reduce PDF file size without losing readability
Quick answer: Reduce oversized images first, then use a PDF optimization or compression tool. Reopen the result and check that text, links, forms, and important images still work.
Start with the largest content
High-resolution photos and scans often account for most of a PDF’s size. Downsampling or replacing unnecessarily large images can reduce the file substantially.
Use PDF optimization carefully
Choose a compression level that keeps text readable and preserves the features you need. Avoid repeatedly recompressing an already compressed document.
Check the compressed file
Open the new PDF, inspect several pages at normal zoom, test links or forms, and confirm the document is acceptable before deleting the original.
Source & methodology
Adobe’s Acrobat documentation directly explains PDF size reduction and optimization.