Compress a PDF on Mac
To compress a PDF on a Mac, double-tap the right Option key and type “compress it”. A new file "name (compressed).pdf" next to the original. The result card shows before → after size. If it isn't at least 5% smaller, it says so and keeps nothing.
Recorded on the app (“compress it” on Sample.pdf): 3.1 MB → 361 KB, Sample (compressed).pdf · done in 0.3 s.
How to do it
- Select the files in Finder, pick them with @ in the bar, or name them in plain words ("my last pdf").
- Double-tap the right Option key to open the bar.
- Type “compress it”.
- Press Return. The new file appears next to the original.
Type
- compress it
- compress my last pdf under 2 mb
- compress it for email
- compress these photos and pdfs
What you get
A new file "name (compressed).pdf" next to the original. The result card shows before → after size. If it isn't at least 5% smaller, it says so and keeps nothing.
The original is never changed or overwritten. Undo trashes what the job made.
Say how strong: strong, good or light. “For email” or “under 2 MB” picks strong. Choose the same one twice and Whizra remembers it.
The free Mac way
Preview → File → Export → Quartz Filter "Reduce File Size": free, but often blurry and sometimes bigger.
Limits
- Scanned pages shrink less than photo-heavy brochures.
- Text stays selectable.
Questions
Is my file uploaded?
No. Whizra does the job on your Mac, and your files never leave it. The only thing the app sends is your license key check.
Does it change the original?
No. The original is never changed or overwritten, and Undo takes the job back.
What can't it do?
Scanned pages shrink less than photo-heavy brochures. Text stays selectable.
Is there a free way on a Mac?
Preview → File → Export → Quartz Filter "Reduce File Size": free, but often blurry and sometimes bigger.