PDF Compression: Quality vs Size Trade-offs

The Compression Dilemma

Every compression decision involves trade-offs between:

• •File size
• •Visual quality
• •Processing time
• •Compatibility

Understanding Compression

Lossless Compression

• •No quality loss
• •Limited size reduction (10-30%)
• •Best for text documents
• •Fully reversible

Lossy Compression

• •Some quality loss
• •Significant size reduction (50-90%)
• •Best for images
• •Not reversible

Quality Levels Explained

High Quality (Low Compression)

• •Minimal quality loss
• •20-40% size reduction
• •For printing and archiving

Medium Quality (Balanced)

• •Acceptable quality loss
• •40-70% size reduction
• •For screen viewing and sharing

Low Quality (High Compression)

• •Noticeable quality loss
• •70-90% size reduction
• •For previews and thumbnails

Choosing the Right Level

Consider the Purpose

• •Print: Use minimal compression
• •Screen: Medium compression fine
• •Web: Higher compression acceptable
• •Archive: Lossless or minimal

Consider the Content

• •Text-heavy: Can compress more
• •Photo-heavy: Be careful with compression
• •Technical drawings: Avoid lossy compression

Testing Your Results

• 1.Compress at different levels
• 2.Compare visually
• 3.Check file sizes
• 4.Test on target device
• 5.Choose optimal balance