How to reduce a PDF for a university submission portal
Start by recording the portal’s exact size limit, accepted format and whether it expects one PDF or several files. Keep the original, remove accidental pages, then begin with balanced compression. Aim slightly below the limit.
Verify the downloaded PDF
- Check its filename and file size.
- Open the downloaded copy.
- Inspect the first, middle and last pages.
- Zoom into tables, equations and signatures.
- Confirm page count, orientation and searchable text.
If the file is still too large, remove unnecessary pages or improve the source scan instead of repeatedly compressing it. Follow the university’s official requirements as the final authority.