How to reduce file size when print to pdf

Hi Dianne,

Your post was dated last month, not sure if you have already found a solution. If not, I’d like to share my findings. I had the same issue and it was very frustrating. Searching the web for solutions and trying other print options in MS Word, I found that when use the Export option, it created a much smaller PDF file. Below are the steps I took:

in MS Word **-> File - > Export -> Create PDF/CPS ->**give it a name **->**select Minimum Size -> Publish

My original Word file is 9MB (all pictures), the PDF file created this way is only 490 KB.

I guess you can further reduce the file size by going to “Options” (under “Minimum Size”) and uncheck Document Properties. I tried it, but found no significant difference, only a little smaller.

I also tried to Publish as “Standard”, the PDF file became 2.4 MB, still much smaller than the original word file. This trick worked for me, hope it works for you as well.

Cheers

JJ

CutePDF crashed . . . would not print my file at all.

In my case, I am just trying to print a brief excerpt from a PDF file. The source file is 573 pages long and 22.4 MBytes. When I print an excerpt of less than 30 pages, it is 16.4 MBytes. Barely 5% of the source file but well over 50% of the size.

This seems like a clear FAIL for MS Print to PDF, and in this case renders it USELESS for me.

The problem is the file size after I print to pdf is larger 3 to 5 times larger than the original file. So reducing the original file will not reduce the file created when I print to pdf. I have tried Microsoft Printer, Foxit printer and they both do the same thing.  I feel it has to something to do with edge but I don't know what. 

I have to separate pages out of a pdf file all the time, I need to find out how to correct this.

I never had this problem until I upgraded to windows 10. and edge took over my pc.

HELP

I never had to reduce file size in Windows 8. The files are saved on my pc. I have used microsoft pdf printer and the same thing occurs. Mabye it is going through Edge, I don't know.

Another irritating factor is I can not fill out template forms on my laptop unless I open them with Internet Explorer. 

Why? What is the point of that? Just another step to go through. Know long it took to figure that out?

There has to be a way to reduce the file size that the pdf printer is creating. If I could only find the answer. 

Wishing I had not upgraded to Windows 10. It has made my work life rather stressful.

In fact I am seriously considering uninstalling Windows 10 and going back to Windows 8. whatever I was on.

I had this problem with win10 as well - instead of using windows print to PDF, I now use cutePDF - a free print to pdf utility.  PDF's produced by this are much smaller.  As a comparison, CPDF file was 35k  when the same thing with WPDF was over 300k.  Hope this is useful to you.