A PDF can contain selectable text, images of scanned pages, or a mixture of both. That difference matters when you want a smaller file. Minutil separates structure optimization from scanned PDF compression so you can choose what is allowed to change.
Start with the contents
Open the PDF and try selecting a sentence. Selectable text is a reason to be careful about converting pages into images. A scanned PDF may also have an invisible OCR text layer, so a page that looks like a scan can still contain searchable text.
- Need to retain selectable text or avoid image-quality changes? Start with Optimize PDF structure.
- Have image-heavy scans and accept an image-only output? Consider Compress scanned PDF.
- Need a form, signature or other document-level feature to remain intact? Keep the original and check the result in the software that uses that feature.
Optimize PDF structure
This tool repacks PDF objects without rendering every page into a new image. It does not deliberately lower the resolution of page images. It is the more conservative starting point when a document's text and appearance matter.
Select the file in Optimize PDF structure, choose Create PDF and compare the downloaded result with the original. A well-optimized source may barely change or become larger; keep whichever copy meets your needs. This is not a guarantee that every advanced PDF feature will survive rewriting.
Compress scanned PDF
Select a copy of your PDF
Open Compress scanned PDF and choose the source. Read the notice explaining the image-only output before continuing.
Choose resolution and quality
Start with the balanced resolution option. Lower image resolution and JPEG quality can reduce size, but may also make fine print or handwriting harder to read.
Choose whether color matters
Enable grayscale only when color is unnecessary. Charts, highlights and color-coded annotations may become harder to interpret.
Confirm the trade-off
This output removes selectable or searchable text, interactive links and editable forms. Acknowledge that change, choose Create PDF and download the result.
Check the smallest text, not just the file size
Review a page with fine print, a page with handwriting and any page containing a QR code or barcode. Check them at the size the recipient will use. If the result is blurry, return to the original and increase the resolution or quality.
Neither method can promise a particular percentage reduction or exact target size. If the file still exceeds the destination's limit, remove unnecessary pages with the appropriate page tool, reduce the scanned output carefully, or choose another delivery method. Avoid repeatedly recompressing a degraded output.