The first PDF featured in this series is one we referenced previously in our Planet PDF Weblog.
Number of pages: 44 Original file size: 20.38 MB Original Application: Unknown, but likely Adobe Illustrator or similar Original PDF Production: Adobe Acrobat Distiller 5.05 Revised file size: 763 kb Size reduction after review: 96.25%
Primary Concern: File size.
Secondary Concern: The lack of searchable text renders the file "invisible" to search engines. The lack of document metadata compounds this issue.
Other Issues: The lack of bookmarks requires the user to flip through the pages to locate the information they seek.
Reviewer's Notes: Due to the file-creation method, it was necessary to convert
the file to raster images -- essentially, printing and scanning -- before reprocessing. Size could
have been further reduced by another 30 percent through conversion of the tables in the document to
PDF/Formatted Text & Graphics. For review purposes, however, the tables were retained as images.
Key Recommendations: Adjust application and PDF creation settings to produce text
based instead of artwork-based files. Basic adjustments to the file creation method would have
delivered a file of less than two percent of the original size with no additional work.
Additionally, bookmarks should be added to longer published documents to assist the user in
locating the information they seek.
* Tagging ensures compliance with Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act, and is required for
Federal Government documents. Tagging this file for demonstration purposes was outside the scope of
this review.
** Google PDF Quality Index (GPQI) is the reviewer's measure of the likelihood of satisfactory
results when the file is indexed by the Google search engine.
In this tutorial, Ted Padova and Wendy Halderman explain how to best use the features of Acrobat 6 Professional to create a self-running multi-media kiosk for use with displays such as tradeshow exhibits.
The ultimate plug-in for Adobe Acrobat and #1 selling product at PDF Store. Advanced splitting, merging, stamping, bookmarking, and link control. Take Acrobat to the next level.
