Reduce PDF file size by unembedding fonts

Last updated on Sep 23, 2025

Learn how to reduce PDF file size by modifying font settings in Adobe Acrobat Pro.

Unembedding fonts can significantly reduce the file size of a PDF. You can check the space used by fonts in your PDF using the Audit space usage feature.

Windows

Select Menu > Save as Other > Optimized PDF.

In the PDF Optimizer dialog box, select Fonts from the left pane.

Select the checkbox for Do not unembed any font under Font Unembedding Settings.

Select OK.

Choose a location to save the compressed PDF, enter a filename, and then select Save.

macOS

Select File > Save as Other > Optimized PDF.

In the PDF Optimizer dialog box, select Fonts from the left pane.

Select the checkbox for Do not unembed any font under Font Unembedding Settings.

Select OK.

Choose a location to save the compressed PDF, enter a filename, and then select Save.

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