PDF - need to reduce size but retain quality!

Submitted by coxy02 on Thu, 2008-07-17 05:54.

Member's Forum

Hello. I have a question about PDFs. I am applying for graphic design jobs and need to send a mini portfolio to potential employers. I know PDF is the best way to go - please someone correct me if I'm wrong. And ideally, the file needs to be 1.5MB (or less) in size.

I've having problems with file size and quality. Some of the work I want to include is vector, and some is bitmap. I either create a high quality file that's massive or a small file with pixellated bitmap parts - can't seem to get the right mix. I'm using Illustrator for the most part to create a multi-page file from tiles. I know InDesign is ideal for this project - I'm going to get crucified for this! - but I don't really know how to use it. I choose 'smallest file size' when saving in Illustrator and then usually save again in Preview using the 'Reduce File Size' option, but as I said before the bitmap parts look shocking in the end. I don't care too much about print quality - just as long as the viewer can see everything clearly on screen.

Does anyone have a good solution for me? I imagine InDesign will be involved, but are there some easy guidelines I can follow?

Thanks.

Try using..

Submitted by jHouse on Thu, 2008-07-17 08:53.

The Reduce File Size in Acrobat Pro. Massively reduces file sizes but still retains good quality.

Export PDF/X-1a files from

Submitted by natobasso on Thu, 2008-07-17 14:49.

Export PDF/X-1a files from InDesign. You'll get files from between 1-5MB. Try it; you'll love it! :) And STOP using Illustrator for your multipage documents. That's what InDesign is for.

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Powerpoint is not a design application

Why less than 1.5mb? Are you

Submitted by pokie on Thu, 2008-07-17 23:03.

Why less than 1.5mb? Are you emailing this?

Thanks for the

Submitted by coxy02 on Thu, 2008-07-17 23:12.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Yes, I'm emailing it along with my resume. Eventually - I'm working on it now, but am teaching myself - I'll have a personal website. It will have a section where they can download my resume and/or a mini portfolio if they choose, or they can just view all of the design work online. That's ideal, but some people still ask for an emailed digital portfolio anyway, and they usually require less than 1.5MB.

I'll try reducing the file in Acrobat - haven't done that yet. I forgot to mention that I have used Distiller quite a bit, but I get the same result with all the size reductions: poor quality. I'll also try InDesign; it will be a challenge since I've never used it. I mean, I can use the tools in the toolbox - they're just like Illustrator - it's just the file management side of it that I'll have to work out.