How to Export AI to PDF Small Size (Best Settings)

Why is my AI PDF so big?

When generating PDFs from Adobe Illustrator, the file size can be larger than expected due to various factors. The most common reason is that when saving a PDF from Illustrator, you leave the Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities option checked. This will save a complete copy of the .ai file inside the PDF to allow for future editing in the original application.

There are some other reasons for large Illustrator PDFs:

• High-Resolution Images: Including high-resolution images or many images in the Illustrator file can lead to large PDF sizes.
• Complex Vector Graphics: Illustrator is designed for creating detailed vector graphics, which can be complex and large.
• Embedded Fonts: Embedding fonts ensures consistent appearance but increases file size.
• Multiple Artboards: Having multiple artboards in a single Illustrator document can increase the PDF size.
• Transparency and Effects: Using transparency effects, drop shadows, and other complex effects can increase file size.

Then, how to save AI file as small PDF? Please move on.

How to export small size PDF from Illustrator

To export a small-sized PDF from Adobe Illustrator, follow these detailed steps:

1. After creating an Illustrator document, click File > Save As. Choose Adobe PDF (*.PDF) from the format dropdown and click Save.

2. In the Save Adobe PDF settings window, uncheck Preserve Illustrator Editing Capabilities to dramatically reduce the file size. Also, check Optimize for Fast Web View to further reduce file size.

3. Under the Compression tab, find the Color Bitmap Images section and change the following settings:

• Choose Average Downsampling To from the dropdown and set 300 ppi for images above 300 ppi.
• Choose Automatic (JPEG) from the Compression dropdown.
• Choose Maximum from the Image Quality dropdown.

4. Under the Marks and Bleeds tab, check Trim Marks.

5. Finally, click Save PDF to export a PDF file in small size.

Bonus tips on reducing PDF file size in Illustrator

Except for exporting as PDF with optimized settings, there are other things you can do to reduce PDF file size in Illustrator.

1. Optimize Your Illustrator File:

• Remove Unused Elements: Delete any hidden or unnecessary layers, objects, and artboards.
• Simplify Artwork: Reduce the complexity of vector paths and the number of anchor points.
• Use Linked Images: Instead of embedding images, link them if possible. This reduces file size and keeps your document lighter.

2. Reduce Image Resolution: Lower the resolution of images to an acceptable level for your needs (e.g., 72 PPI for web, 150 PPI for print).

3. Flatten Transparency: Simplify transparent objects.

• Go to Object > Flatten Transparency.
• Adjust the settings to balance between maintaining appearance and reducing file complexity.

Supplement: Best way to backup AI, PDF files

You spent a lot of effort creating Adobe Illustrator documents, and you can’t stand losing them due to any accidents. Thus, it is necessary to backup your AI or PDF files with the best free file backup tool - AOMEI Backupper Standard.

Download AOMEI Backupper now and follow the instructions below to backup your AI or PDF files.

1. Install and open AOMEI Backupper. Then start creating a backup task by clicking Backup > File Backup.

2. Click Add File or Add Folder to select your AI/PDF files or the folder that contains your AI/PDF files.

3. Choose your preferred destination path to store the backup image. It can be a USB flash drive, an external HDD/SSD or a NAS device, etc.

4. Enable Schedule Backup based on your need and click Start Backup to launch the backup process.

✍ Note: For long-term data backup, you may enable automatic backup cleanup to delete old backup images that are no longer needed. Please upgrade to enjoy this feature.

Conclusion

This page offers the best settings and bonus tips to help you export AI to PDF small size. You can create a smaller-sized PDF while maintaining an acceptable level of quality by applying these steps. To ensure your important data is protected against data loss, you can rely on specialized backup software - AOMEI Backupper. Its user-friendly interface, robust features, and flexibility make it an excellent choice for both personal and professional use.

What’s more, AOMEI Backupper is embedded with clone features, enabling you to transfer OS to a new hard drive. Don’t hesitate to try it out!