PDF compression is a crucial step in managing digital documents. It helps reduce file size, making it easier to share and store these files. For Mac users, finding free and reliable PDF compression tools can be a challenge. In this article, we will explore some of the best free options available for compressing PDF files on a Mac. One popular tool for compressing PDF files on a Mac is the Preview app. This built-in application allows users to view and edit various file types, including PDFs. To compress a PDF using Preview, simply open the file in the app, go to the "File" menu, and select "Export". In the export window, choose the format "PDF" and adjust the "Quartz Filter" option to "Reduce File Size". This will compress the PDF and save it as a new file. Another free option for compressing PDF files on a Mac is the online tool Smallpdf. This web-based service offers a wide range of PDF tools, including compression. To compress a PDF using Smallpdf, simply visit their website, select the "Compress PDF" tool, and upload your file. The tool will then automatically compress the PDF and provide a download link for the compressed version. If you are looking for more advanced compression options, you can try using the open-source software Ghostscript. This command-line tool allows users to manipulate PDF files in various ways, including compression. To compress a PDF using Ghostscript, open Terminal on your Mac and enter the following command: ``` gs -sDEVICE=pdfwrite -dCompatibilityLevel=1.4 -dPDFSETTINGS=/screen -dNOPAUSE -dQUIET -dBATCH -sOutputFile=output.pdf input.pdf ``` Replace "input.pdf" with the name of the file you want to compress and "output.pdf" with the desired name of the compressed file. This command will compress the PDF using the screen optimization settings. If you are looking for a more user-friendly solution, you can try using the free version of PDF Expert. This powerful PDF editor for Mac offers a range of features, including compression. To compress a PDF using PDF Expert, simply open the file in the app, go to the "File" menu, and select "Reduce File Size". The app will then compress the PDF and save it as a new file. In conclusion, there are several free options available for compressing PDF files on a Mac. Whether you prefer using built-in applications like Preview or third-party tools like Smallpdf and PDF Expert, you can easily reduce the file size of your PDFs. These tools are user-friendly and provide reliable compression results. So, the next time you need to compress a PDF on your Mac, give one of these options a try and enjoy the benefits of smaller file sizes.