"Reduce File Size" greyed out in Acrobat Standard 6.0

[M***@adobeforums.com]

The subject line pretty much describes it. However, to further explain and give it more depth, please read on... After combining and assembling documents (most always pdf) into one file, that file grows exponentially to an enormous amount (20-30MB and sometimes even 40MB). The file, if reduced by 3rd party software, will lose it's bloat. However, in some cases, the file size cannot be reduced by clicking on "file/reduce file size" because it is not available or is greyed out, if you will. I have tried the "save as" option, but to no avail, it simply copies the file and it remains the same size. The only work around I came up with was to use a third party pdf reducer. After running the file through the wringer, the file size reduces to about half and the "greyed out" option reappears (or becames available). Then I can reduce the file size from it's bloated 30-40mb to a comfortable 5-6mb. I called tech support and they wanted $39 to solve this. I don't feel this is a user instruction issue, but a software issue and refused to pay them. Thus, the problem still exists. I have googled this problem until I'm googled out. It seems there's no answer to this problem. Has anyone ever seen this? Is there a fix? Surely it's not me, but it could be. I shall rest now and wait for the cure. Kindly, Michael.

[unknown]

Do you have security enabled on the PDF that you're trying to reduce the file size on? A document password would prevent "Reduce File Size" from functioning.

Nathan

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Interesting thought Nathan. My problem could be caused by the fact that I have to occationally merge or add a protected document into the Owners Manual that I create from scratch. The only documents I work with that have protection are drawings and schematics from the manufacturer. I'll have to see at what point the "reduce file size" goes away while working on the file. When I get to the office Monday, I'll observe the process and post an update. Thanks!

Michael.

[W***@adobeforums.com]

I suspect the document came from someone using AA7 and it was not created for backward compatible. You probably get a warning when you open the file. If so, your only choice is to print the PDF to a new PDF I think.

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Thanks Bill Davis. Your observation has led me to the correct room in the Acrobat Mansion. However, printing the document to another PDF file fails. The particular file I tried to downsample gave me the error log you see below. Strangely, the thrid party program *Free PDF Compressor* errors out, too, telling me that it's an incompatible file. I am thinking our company will simply have to upgrade (which is unlikely) or attempt to distill the file before it's merged into the larger one. This trial and error testing will take a few days, but I'll keep this thread going so long as there's new information to post. Here's the error log.

%%[ Warning: Helvetica not found, using Font Substitution. Font cannot be embedded.]%%
%%[Page: 1]%% %%[Page: 2]%% %%[Page: 3]%% %%[Page: 4]%% %%[Page: 5]%%
%%[Page: 6]%% %%[Page: 7]%%
%%%%[ Warning: EurostileExtended-Black-DTC not found, using Font Substitution. Font cannot be embedded.]%%
[Page: 8]%% %%[Page: 9]%% %%[Page: 10]%% %%[Page: 11]%% %%[Page: 12]%% %%[Page: 13]%% %%[Page: 14]%% %%[Page: 15]%% %%[Page: 16]%% %%[Page: 17]%%
%%[ Error: ioerror; OffendingCommand: imageDistiller ]%%

Stack: 1.0 -save-

%%[ Flushing: rest of job (to end-of-file) will be ignored ]%%
%%[ Warning: PostScript error. No PDF file produced. ] %%

[unknown]

Looks like you have a corrupt image around page 17-18. Use the TouchUp Object tool to delete the images on those pages 1 at a time until you find the culprit.

Nathan

[M***@adobeforums.com]

Hey guys!

Thanks for all your help! It took some time, but I think we found a work around. The procedure below causes the compatibility warning go away, brings back the *Reduce File Size* option and allows the file to be reduced to 5.0 or earlier regardless of it's size or backward compatibility.

I'll describe the process to the best of my ability.

1. Select and open the file you wish to edit/downsample.
2. Go to View/Navigation Tabs and select Pages.
3. Click on one of the pages in the left pane.
4. Key *CTRL A* to select all pages.
5. Right click and select extract pages.
6. Select File/Reduce File Size, choose 5.0, then name the output file (something other than the original).
7. Close all open files, delete the old bloated file.

Hope this helps anyone else who may have been frustrated with this problem. It's amazing sometimes how simple the fix usually is after all the searching, researching and testing is done.

Regards, Michael.

- Start something, it may lead you somewhere!

[t***@gmail.com]

Post by M***@adobeforums.com
Hey guys!
Thanks for all your help! It took some time, but I think we found a work around. The procedure below causes the compatibility warning go away, brings back the *Reduce File Size* option and allows the file to be reduced to 5.0 or earlier regardless of it's size or backward compatibility.
I'll describe the process to the best of my ability.
1. Select and open the file you wish to edit/downsample.
2. Go to View/Navigation Tabs and select Pages.
3. Click on one of the pages in the left pane.
4. Key *CTRL A* to select all pages.
5. Right click and select extract pages.
6. Select File/Reduce File Size, choose 5.0, then name the output file (something other than the original).
7. Close all open files, delete the old bloated file.
Hope this helps anyone else who may have been frustrated with this problem. It's amazing sometimes how simple the fix usually is after all the searching, researching and testing is done.
Regards, Michael.
- Start something, it may lead you somewhere!

Great workaround... thank you. Reduced my pdf filesize by 60%