How Do I Compress a PDF File Using Winrar?

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PDF files can be extremely large if they're made up of more than just a few pages or if they contain several embedded images. For this reason, it is often best to compress a PDF file before emailing it to another person, so you don't exceed any attachment-size limits that may apply to your email account or theirs. You can compress a PDF file before emailing using the WinRAR file compression utility.

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Step 1

Launch WinRAR. If WinRAR is not already installed, it can be downloaded from the WinRAR website (see Resources).

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Step 2

Using the folder tree at the bottom of the window to navigate your computer, find the PDF file that you would like to compress.

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Step 3

Click the PDF file, then click the "Add" button at the top of the window.

Step 4

Click in the "Archive Name" box and type a name for your file.

Step 5

Click the "Compression Method" drop-down menu and select "Best." At the best compression method, WinRAR will create a smaller file which can be emailed more quickly. However, compressing the file may take slightly longer.

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Step 6

Click "Delete files after archiving" if you would like to have WinRAR delete the original PDF file after the compressed archive is created. This step is optional.

Step 7

Select "RAR" or "ZIP" under "Archive Format." The ZIP format has been supported by Windows since Windows XP. If you compress the file in RAR format, the recipient must have the WinRAR software installed to extract it.

Step 8

Click "OK" to create the archive, and close WinRAR when the process is complete.

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