Forum Discussion
How can I reduce or decrease the size of a PDF for cloud printing on my pc?
I need to print PDF learning materials for my kids but the EPSON printer does not support PDF files larger than 50MB for cloud print. The current PDF is over that limit, so it can't be uploaded or se...
Microsoft Print to PDF is a built-in Windows feature used to decrease the size of the pdf without installing extra software.
How to decrease the size of the pdf
- Open the PDF file in an application that supports printing in Edge or Chrome.
- Press Ctrl + P to open the print dialog box.
- Select Microsoft Print to PDF as the printer.
- Adjust the quality settings:
- In Chrome/Edge: Click More settings → Set Pages per page to 1 → Lower the quality setting.
- Click Print, select a save location, and rename the file.
- Once saved, you will have successfully reduced the size of the PDF file.
Once you're done, be sure to check the file size—most PDF files will be reduced by 50% to 80%.
Although it relies on built-in system features, it works well for standard PDF files that don't require ultra-high-definition quality. If you prefer not to use third-party compression tools, this is a convenient built-in solution. You should adjust the quality settings appropriately based on your needs.
Pros:
- Safe and easy to use
- Provides excellent compression for standard documents
Cons:
- Image clarity may be reduced if the quality setting is too low
- Not suitable for PDF files containing professional-grade, high-resolution graphics