COMPRESS PDF FILES

[TateJ]

Is it possible to compress PDF files? We often save drawings as PDFs & send them to clients for review. Occasionally they complain about the file size. I tried EcoSqueeze on one & got diddly. We could save as a BMP or other image file, but loose too much clarity. E-Drawings aren't an option - unless we want to play IT & walk them thru the the free download installation. Besides, if their PCs are so old that they choke on our PDFs... they probably aren't running a current version of IE anyway.

So what are y'all doing?

Windows XP / Logitech "Premium" Optical mouse
SolidWorks 2006 SP4.1 / SpaceBall 5000
Lava Lamp
www.Tate3d.com​

 

[CorBlimeyLimey]

Yes, you can "Reduce file size" with Adobe Acrobat Pro.

I usually use self-executable eDrawings for customers known not to have suitable viewers. More often than not, they are so impressed with eDrawings they actually want the program installed.


Helpful SW websites FAQ559-520
How to get answers to your SW questions FAQ559-1091

 

[J-C]

I believe sending the self contained (EXE) of an eDrawing offers the end user the option to install it. Still, if their computers are old and they have trouble with a PDF, then it will probably have trouble with eDrawings.

Jason

UG NX2.02.2 on Win2000 SP3
SolidWorks 2006 SP4.0 on WinXP SP2

 

[TateJ]

We can try the eDrawing option... But I bet we'll get in a world of hurt playing IT for them t get it installed & then teach them how to use it. I get the impression they still use their CD tray for a fancy coffe cup holder.

Mine is vertical - so I can't.

Windows XP / Logitech "Premium" Optical mouse
SolidWorks 2006 SP4.1 / SpaceBall 5000
Lava Lamp
www.Tate3d.com​

 

[ctopher]

If you send the .exe by email, rename it to .eee (or similar). Have the recipient rename back to .exe. Most companies will not let .exe files go through email.

Chris
Systems Analyst, I.S.
SolidWorks 06 4.1/PDMWorks 06
AutoCAD 06
ctopher's home (updated 06-21-06)

 

[Theophilus]

There are also options within the PDF save dialog. Don't save shaded data, save images at low resolution, etc.

Also, from my experience, Adobe Reader 6.0 is the biggest instable kludge I've ever run on any system. Your clients may want to check to make sure they're running something in the 7.0 range. That's all about PDFs.

Meanwhile, I use eDrawings rather exclusively because so much more can be communicated with them and they're very compact for their complexity.

Jeff Mowry

http://www.industrialdesignhaus.com

Reason trumps all. And awe trumps reason.

 

[PDMAdmin]

PDF files are small to begin with, so I'm not surprised that your efforts to compress them were unsuccessful. How big are the files that your client thinks are too big?