CNET Editors' review
Despite being a bit of a resource hog itself, this application seriously reduces the size of your PDF files. Free PDF Compressor offers a straightforward interface with only a few standard buttons for selecting, compressing, and decompressing PDF files. The program lets you choose from two compression algorithms and four compression levels. Though we found the RunLength much faster than the Flate algorithm, Free PDF Compressor did indeed noticeably shrink PDF files in testing using either option, with no change in the quality of the compressed PDF files. However, the program uses 40MB to 50MB of memory and significantly slowed down our system during the compression process. This single-purpose application is an easy-to-use, freeware option for shrinking PDF files, but it may cost you some speed when it's at work.
Publisher's Description
From NicePDF Software:
Free PDF Compressor removes duplicate PDF objects, optionally takes advantage of new compression features of latest PDF specifications that for many classes of documents compresses 30 - 60% better than what is possible in PDF 1.5. Free PDF Compressor allows you to shrink PDF file by using Flate or RunLength compression algorithm. With this freeware, you are able to set the compression level to generate PDF files of smallest size.
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All versions:
2.2 starsout of 36 votes
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Current version:
2.2 starsout of 36 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Disaster - do not use!"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
Absolutely None!
Cons
Does not recognise 1.6, and, if you run it, it corrupts the original file completely.
Summary
I had a 10 Mb file that I tried this on. First, it gave an error, saying it did recognise pdf 1.6. When I tried again, it reported that it was successful. But, file size was now only 1 KB, and corrupted. Thank goodness I had made a copy of my file.
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"Alternatives needed..."
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
None, this program doesn't do anything to reduce the PDF file size.
Cons
This doesn't compress at all.
Summary
We compared this program to our technology for Native Format Optimization. No offense, but PDF compression should be done seriously. So who wants to really compress PDF files should look out for alternatives, e.g. FILEminimizer PDF from us or Adobe.
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"Utterly Pathetic!"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
At least it doesn't overwrite your existing pdf in the process of destroying it.
Cons
No idea what the different compression types are.
Corrupted my pdf.Summary
It had better not be malware!
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"Won't Load A File"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
None - crashes on file load.
Cons
Unusable.
Crashes on file load.Summary
Immediately after loading a file it closes "due to an error."
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"Who's reviewing this stuff anyway?"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
It says I must enter at least 10 characters
1234567890Cons
Compressed document 2.5%
Summary
Okay, lots of critical comments on this product with little detail - thought this might be the work of trolls so I tried it myself.
Had critical 5.88 MB doc that had been scanned as a 'document' that I needed to get down to 3.0 MB.
Ran this program 4 times: for both compression types and for both default and maximum settings. All 4 times compressed down to 5.74 MB or about 2.5%
Wasted 20 minutes mucking around and hope that the 'virus' warnings are not true. -
"it's a virus"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
None. If you want to be robbed of your e-mail password and your bank password, be a victim of identity and online banking theft, then this is great for you.
Cons
Can't uninstall and it tries to read your passwords
Summary
Don't touch this. It's a virus.
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"plz dont dwnld!!!!"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
small dwnld
Cons
doesn't work
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"Does not support PDF v1.6 files."
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
- Runs from a downloaded .exe file; no need to install.
Cons
- Compression options are not explained within the program, and there is no apparent help file.
- Does not support PDF v1.6 files. Attempting to compress regardless will destroy the file - luckily I had a backup version of the file this occurred to.Summary
Unfortunately, I was unable to find a list within the program of what PDF versions were actually supported. It's possible to find out what version a PDF file is by viewing its properties, but this is the first time I have ever needed to do so in order to check program compatibility. As I was not willing to search through my hard drive to find supported PDFs, I was unable to test the effectiveness of the program on supported files.
The file I attempted to compress was a 67.5 MB PDF v1.6 file with around 125 pages, a large number of raster images, and approximately 15 different fonts used at several sizes each. -
"Works great for pdf's with a lot of pictures"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
Free & simple 75% compression on 100mb file.
Cons
It could have explained the different compression methods. I got identical results from a 100mb file to 26mb.
Summary
Its exactly what I needed. A context menu option to compress would be nice.
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"This worked perfectly for me"
Version: Free PDF Compressor 1.12
Pros
Excellent at compressing text-based PDFs and black and white scans.
Also should mention that unlike other reviews seen here, the software ran and completed my compressions in under a second.Cons
Not so great for image-based and colorful PDFs (e.g. PowerPoint presentations saved as PDF).
Summary
Not the most polished or user friendly piece of software, but it's free.
Not sure what the various options mean, but I've tried them all and they don't give hugely different results.
If you're into reducing the file size of scanned documents (as is the case with me), then this is a great little app.
