How to Compress PDF for Email: Reduce File Size Free

Your PDF is too large to email? Most email services limit attachments to 25MB. Here's how to compress your PDF to fit, or better alternatives for sharing large files.

Why PDFs Get Too Large

Common causes of large PDFs:

• High-resolution images
• Embedded fonts
• Scanned documents
• Multiple pages
• Unoptimized graphics

Method 1: Online PDF Compressor (Easiest)

The fastest way to reduce PDF size.

Steps:

1. Go to LinkyHost PDF Compressor
2. Upload your PDF
3. Wait for compression
4. Download the smaller file

What to Expect:

• 50-80% size reduction typical
• Maintains readable quality
• Works with any PDF

Best For:

• Quick compression
• One-time use
• Any operating system

Method 2: Share as Link Instead

If compression isn't enough, share your PDF as a link.

Steps:

1. Go to LinkyHost PDF to Link
2. Upload your PDF (any size)
3. Copy the shareable link
4. Paste in your email

Benefits:

• No size limits
• Track when recipients open it
• More professional appearance

This is often better than compressing because:

• Works for any file size
• Recipients don't have to download
• You get view analytics

Method 3: Adobe Acrobat (Paid)

If you have Adobe Acrobat:

1. Open your PDF
2. File > Save As Other > Reduced Size PDF
3. Choose compatibility
4. Save

Or:

1. File > Save As Other > Optimized PDF
2. Adjust settings
3. Save

Pros:

• Fine-grained control
• Batch processing
• Professional tool

Cons:

• Requires paid subscription
• Can be complex

Method 4: Preview (Mac)

Built into macOS:

1. Open PDF in Preview
2. File > Export
3. Set Quartz Filter to "Reduce File Size"
4. Save

Pros:

• Free on Mac
• No internet required

Cons:

• Quality reduction can be significant
• Mac only

Method 5: Print to PDF (Windows)

Windows built-in method:

1. Open PDF in any viewer
2. File > Print
3. Select "Microsoft Print to PDF"
4. Choose lower quality settings
5. Print to new file

Results vary significantly with this method.

Compression Quality Levels

Most compressors offer quality options:

Level	Size Reduction	Quality	Best For
Low	30-50%	Good	Text documents
Medium	50-70%	Acceptable	General use
High	70-90%	Lower	Web viewing

Tips for Better Compression

Before Compressing:

1. Remove unnecessary pages Delete blank pages or irrelevant sections

2. Crop excess whitespace Reduce margins if they're too large

3. Remove embedded thumbnails These add unnecessary size

During Compression:

1. Start with medium compression You can always compress more if needed

2. Check quality after Make sure text is still readable

3. Try multiple tools Different tools have different results

Size Guide for Email

Email Service	Max Attachment
Gmail	25MB
Outlook.com	20MB
Yahoo Mail	25MB
Corporate Outlook	Often 10MB

Pro tip: Aim for under 10MB to ensure delivery to any recipient.

What If Compression Isn't Enough?

If your PDF is still too large after compression:

Option 1: Split the PDF

Break into multiple smaller files using Split PDF.

Option 2: Share as Link

Upload to LinkyHost and share the link instead of attaching.

Option 3: Use Cloud Storage

Upload to Google Drive or Dropbox and share a link.

Recommended: Option 2 is best for professional communication.

Compression Comparison

We tested a 50MB PDF with different methods:

Method	Result	Quality
LinkyHost Compressor	12MB	Good
Adobe Acrobat	15MB	Good
Mac Preview	8MB	Fair
Windows Print to PDF	20MB	Good

Results vary based on PDF content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will compression affect quality?

Yes, but good compressors maintain readability. Text remains sharp; images may be slightly less detailed.

Can I compress a PDF multiple times?

You can, but quality degrades each time. Compress once with the right settings.

Why is my compressed PDF larger?

This can happen with already-optimized PDFs. Try a different compression tool or share as a link instead.

What's the smallest a PDF can get?

Depends on content. Text-only PDFs can get very small. Image-heavy PDFs have limits due to image data.

Best Practice Workflow

For sharing PDFs via email:

1. Check the size - Is it under 10MB? If yes, attach it.

2. Try compression - Use PDF Compressor

3. Still too large? - Share as a PDF link

4. Write professional email:

Hi [Name],

Please find the document at the link below:
[Your LinkyHost Link]

Let me know if you have any questions.

Best,
[Your Name]

Related Tools

• PDF Compressor - Reduce PDF size
• PDF to Link - Share any size PDF
• Split PDF - Break into smaller files
• PDF Merger - Combine PDFs

Related Guides

• How to Send Large PDF Files
• How to Embed PDF in Email
• PDF to Link Complete Guide