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Editing PDFs is a common task that many Mac users often encounter. Whether you want to resize a PDF to reduce its file size or adjust the dimensions for printing purposes, knowing how to edit PDF size on your Mac can be extremely useful. In this blog post, we will explore different methods to help you resize PDFs effortlessly. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge and tools to conveniently edit PDFs on your Mac.
Video Tutorial:
The Challenge of Resizing PDFs
Resizing PDFs can be a bit challenging, especially if you don’t have the right tools or aren’t familiar with the process. Many users struggle with finding the right method to resize a PDF without compromising its quality or experiencing any compatibility issues. Additionally, some PDF editing apps or online tools may have limitations or require a subscription. However, there are several effective methods you can use to resize PDFs on your Mac.
Things You Should Prepare for
Before diving into the methods, there are a few things you should prepare to make the PDF resizing process smoother:
1. Make sure you have the latest version of macOS on your Mac.
2. Have the PDF file ready that you want to resize.
3. Check if you have sufficient storage space on your Mac to accommodate the resized PDF.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s explore different methods you can use to resize PDFs on your Mac.
Method 1: Using Preview
Preview is a built-in application on your Mac that not only allows you to view PDFs but also offers basic editing features, including resizing. Follow these steps to resize a PDF using Preview:
1. Open the PDF file you want to resize using Preview. If the PDF is located in a different folder, you can use the Finder to locate and open it with Preview.
2. In Preview, click on "File" in the menu bar and select "Open" to choose the PDF file.
3. With the PDF open, click on the "Tools" option in the menu bar and select "Adjust Size."
4. In the "Adjust Size" window, you can enter the desired dimensions for the PDF. Adjust the width and height values according to your preferences. You can also select different measurement units such as inches, centimeters, or pixels.
5. After entering the desired dimensions, click on the "OK" button to resize the PDF.
6. Finally, save the resized PDF by clicking on "File" in the menu bar and selecting "Save" or pressing Command + S on your keyboard.
Pros:
– Uses the built-in Preview application.
– No additional software installation required.
– Quick and easy method for basic resizing.
Cons:
– Limited editing features compared to dedicated PDF editing software.
– May not provide advanced options for precise resizing.
Method 2: Using Adobe Acrobat
If you want more advanced options and features for resizing PDFs, using Adobe Acrobat can be a great choice. Adobe Acrobat is a professional-grade PDF editing tool that offers extensive functionality. Here’s how you can resize a PDF using Adobe Acrobat:
1. Open the PDF file you want to resize using Adobe Acrobat.
2. In the toolbar at the right-hand side, click on the "Organize Pages" option.
3. In the "Organize Pages" panel, select the page or pages you want to resize.
4. Right-click on the selected page(s) and choose "Resize Pages" from the context menu.
5. In the "Resize Pages" dialog box, you can enter the desired dimensions for the PDF. You can choose to resize the pages to a specific width and height or specify a percentage of the original size.
6. Select the desired options and click on the "OK" button to resize the PDF.
7. Finally, save the resized PDF by clicking on "File" in the menu bar and selecting "Save" or pressing Command + S on your keyboard.
Pros:
– Offers advanced resizing options and precise control over dimensions.
– Provides a wide range of PDF editing features.
– Can handle large PDF files with ease.
Cons:
– Requires a subscription or purchase of Adobe Acrobat.
– May have a steeper learning curve compared to other methods.
Method 3: Using Online PDF Resizers
If you prefer a web-based solution and don’t want to install any additional software, there are various online PDF resizers available. These tools allow you to upload your PDF file directly to their website and provide resizing options. Here’s how you can resize a PDF using an online PDF resizer:
1. Open your preferred web browser and search for "online PDF resizer" or a similar keyword.
2. Choose one of the reputable online PDF resizer tools from the search results.
3. Once on the website, locate the "Choose file" or "Upload PDF" button and click on it.
4. Select the PDF file you want to resize from your local storage.
5. After the upload is complete, the website will provide options to adjust the size of the PDF. Enter the desired dimensions or select a predefined size.
6. Once you have entered the dimensions, click on the "Resize PDF" or similar button to start the resizing process.
7. After the resizing is complete, the website will provide a download link for the resized PDF. Click on the link to download the resized PDF to your Mac.
Pros:
– No installation required, as it is web-based.
– Can be accessed from any device with an internet connection.
– Offers a quick solution for resizing PDFs.
Cons:
– May have limitations on file size or number of PDFs you can resize.
– Requires an internet connection to upload and download the PDF.
Method 4: Using Automator
Method 4: Using Automator
Apple’s Automator is a powerful tool that allows you to automate tasks on your Mac. While it might not be specifically designed for PDF resizing, you can still utilize it to accomplish this task. Here’s how you can resize a PDF using Automator:
1. Open the Automator application on your Mac. You can find it in the "Applications" folder or use Spotlight search to locate it quickly.
2. With Automator open, click on "File" in the menu bar and select "New" or press Command + N on your keyboard to create a new workflow.
3. In the workflow template chooser, select "Workflow" and click on the "Choose" button.
4. In the left-hand sidebar, locate the "Library" category and expand it.
5. Scroll down and locate the "PDFs" category. Expand it, and then double-click on the "Scale PDF Documents" action.
6. In the "Scale PDF Documents" action, adjust the width and height values according to your desired dimensions.
7. Optionally, you can also set the resolution, page range, and other parameters related to the PDF resizing.
8. Once you have adjusted the settings, click on "File" in the menu bar and select "Save" or press Command + S on your keyboard.
9. Enter a name for your workflow and choose a location to save it. Click on the "Save" button to save the workflow.
10. Finally, to resize a PDF using the created Automator workflow, select the PDF file you want to resize, right-click on it, choose "Quick Actions," and then select the Automator workflow you created.
Pros:
– Leverages the power of Automator for automation and batch processing.
– Offers customization options for PDF resizing.
– Can be used for various other tasks as well.
Cons:
– Requires familiarity with Automator and workflow creation.
– May not provide as many advanced PDF editing options as dedicated software.
Why Can’t I Resize PDFs Easily?
1. Complex Formatting: PDFs often contain complex formatting elements such as images, tables, and special fonts. Resizing PDFs can be challenging due to the need to maintain the integrity of these elements while changing the dimensions.
2. Compatibility Issues: Different devices and software applications may not handle PDF resizing consistently. Some methods might cause compatibility issues when opening the resized PDF on other devices or software.
3. Embedded Links or Annotations: PDFs can also contain embedded links or annotations that need to be taken into account while resizing. Removing or altering these elements during the resizing process can cause issues.
Fixes:
1. Use professional PDF editing software like Adobe Acrobat or dedicated online services that are designed to handle complex PDF resizing.
2. Always test the resized PDF on different devices and software applications to ensure compatibility.
3. Check for any embedded links or annotations before resizing and make sure to preserve them during the process.
Additional Tips
1. Before resizing a PDF, make sure to create a backup copy of the original file to avoid any accidental loss of data.
2. If you frequently need to resize PDFs, consider investing in professional PDF editing software to gain access to advanced features and more precise control over the resizing process.
3. Be mindful of the aspect ratio when resizing PDFs to avoid distortion or stretching of the content.
5 FAQs about Resizing PDFs
Q1: Can I resize a specific page within a multi-page PDF document?
A: Yes, both Adobe Acrobat and Preview allow you to select and resize specific pages within a multi-page PDF document. Follow the mentioned steps for the respective method to resize a specific page.
Q2: Is there any recommended file size limit while resizing PDFs?
A: There is no specific recommended file size limit for resizing PDFs. However, keep in mind that excessively large PDF files may take longer to resize, especially when using online resizing tools.
Q3: Will resizing a PDF affect its image quality?
A: Depending on the resizing method and settings used, there may be a slight reduction in image quality. To minimize any impact on image quality, choose the resizing options that best preserve the original file’s integrity.
Q4: Can I batch resize multiple PDFs at once?
A: Yes, using Adobe Acrobat or Automator, you can create batch resizing workflows to resize multiple PDFs simultaneously. This can save a significant amount of time when dealing with a large number of PDF files.
Q5: Can I restore the original size of a resized PDF?
A: Resizing a PDF is a non-destructive process, meaning that the original file is not permanently altered. If you have a backup of the original file, you can simply replace the resized PDF with the original to restore the file’s original size.
In Conclusion
Editing PDFs, including resizing, is a valuable skill for any Mac user. Whether you need to reduce the file size or adjust the dimensions for printing or other purposes, understanding the different methods available to edit PDF size on your Mac is essential. By following the methods and tips detailed in this article, you can confidently resize your PDFs without compromising their quality or encountering any compatibility issues. With practice, you’ll become proficient in resizing PDFs and unlocking the full potential of your PDF editing capabilities on your Mac.