PDFOptim

PDFOptim compresses and optimizes PDF files to reduce their size while retaining visual quality. It is available for macOS, iOS, and Windows. Four automatic methods analyze a document and apply a compression approach, while manual controls cover JPEG quality, image downsampling, color profiles, and removal of hidden metadata. A synchronized side-by-side preview lets users compare the original and compressed files before saving. The Mac app can process PDF folders in batches with drag-and-drop queues and multiple CPU cores. Scanned PDFs can be converted to grayscale, monochrome, or bitonal profiles; the maker says this can produce files up to 40 times smaller. A five-level vector optimization feature removes excess anchor paths and structural data from vector-heavy PDFs. Apple Shortcuts can trigger compression, and the maker describes a Finder Quick Action workflow. The maker says processing runs locally, files are not uploaded, and core features work offline; internet is used for purchase validation. The free version allows one compressed PDF export per week and restricts Shortcuts Actions. Premium plans include unlimited compressed PDF exports, starting at $0.99 a month.

PDFOptim offers automatic and manual compression controls, plus batch processing on Mac and local processing across its listed platforms. Check the free export limit and paid options against your expected usage.

PDFOptim may suit people who want to compress PDFs locally, including users processing folders on Mac or refining scanned and vector-heavy documents. Its free tier is limited to one compressed PDF export per week.

PDFOptim is a PDF compressor for people who want to reduce file size while managing image quality and document structure. It suits Mac users processing folders of PDFs particularly well; its free allowance is better for occasional use than a regular workflow.

Overview

Four automatic compression methods analyze a document and apply an algorithm, while a synchronized side-by-side preview lets users compare the original with the compressed version before saving. That makes it practical both for quick reductions and for checking whether compression has compromised appearance. Manual controls add flexibility, but users seeking shared cloud processing should look elsewhere: processing is local, and PDFOptim has no cloud storage support.

The maker says files are not uploaded and core features work offline. Internet is used for purchase validation: Qonversion handles it on macOS and iOS, while Windows purchases are validated through Microsoft Store. That local workflow will appeal to users who prefer to keep documents on their devices.

Key features

Compression and document controls

Manual options cover JPEG quality, image downsampling, color profiles, and removal of hidden metadata. These are useful when reducing file size is not the only priority—for example, when image quality or color treatment matters. They also require more judgment than relying on an automatic method, so users who want a quick default can start with the four presets and inspect the preview.

Scans, vectors, and batches

Scanned PDFs can be converted to grayscale, monochrome, or bitonal profiles. The maker says this can produce files up to 40 times smaller; the trade-off is that changing a scan's color treatment may not suit documents where color carries important information. For vector-heavy PDFs, five optimization levels remove excess anchor paths and structural data, offering a separate way to target bulky artwork.

The Mac app can process folders in batches using multiple CPU cores, with drag-and-drop queues. That is a meaningful advantage for recurring desktop work, rather than compressing files one at a time. The product also supports batch merging and resizing, with resizing by dimensions and quality controls.

Shortcuts and file handling

Apple Shortcuts can trigger compression, and the maker describes a Finder Quick Action workflow. These integrations can reduce repetitive steps for Mac users, but Shortcuts Actions are restricted in the free version. Output formats include JPEG, HEIC, WebP, PNG, JP2, TIFF, PDF, PSD, GIF, TGA, EXR, and BMP.

Pricing

PDFOptim is freemium, with a free plan and a free trial included with the yearly plan. The free version allows one compressed PDF export per week, and Shortcuts Actions are restricted. That cap is enough for sparse use, but too narrow for routine compression.

• Premium : Monthly Access: $0.99 a month for unlimited compressed PDF exports. It fits users who need more than the free allowance but do not want a yearly commitment.
• Premium : Yearly Access: $6.99 a year for unlimited compressed PDF exports, with a free trial included. It is the lower-cost ongoing option for regular use, provided an annual plan suits your needs.
• Premium : Lifetime Access: $9.99, paid once for lifetime access. It suits buyers who prefer a single purchase over recurring billing.

All three paid options remove the compressed-export quota. The free plan's weekly cap is the main distinction for occasional users; the paid tiers make more sense when that limit would interrupt regular work.

Platforms

PDFOptim supports macOS 12 or later, iOS 15.6 or later, and Windows 10 or later. Mac is the primary platform and has folder-based batch processing. Local processing and offline core features suit individual device-based workflows, but the lack of cloud storage is a drawback for anyone who needs files shared through an online service.

Who it's for

PDFOptim is best for people who regularly compress PDFs on a Mac, especially image-heavy, scanned, or vector-heavy documents where size and appearance both matter. Its automatic methods suit quick jobs; manual controls and preview serve users who want to refine the result. It is less compelling for occasional users who need more than one export a week, or for teams that depend on cloud storage and shared processing.

Pros and cons

• Pros: Four automatic methods and a comparison preview help balance file size against appearance.
• Pros: Mac folder batches, multiple CPU cores, and drag-and-drop queues suit repeated desktop jobs.
• Pros: Local processing and offline core features keep the workflow on the device.
• Cons: One free compressed-PDF export per week is restrictive for regular use.
• Cons: Shortcuts Actions are restricted on the free version.
• Cons: No cloud storage support means it is not suited to shared online document workflows.

Alternatives

For image resizing rather than PDF compression, Desqueeze is an iOS freemium option. Batch Resize covers iOS and macOS, with a free download containing advertising and a one-time $34.99 Remove Ads purchase. For Windows image resizing, Fotosizer offers a free Standard Edition and paid Personal and Business 360 plans.

PixelMod is another freemium option for macOS, web, and Windows. XnConvert supports Linux, macOS, and Windows, with a free license for private, educational, and non-profit use. Photo Size Optimizer is a free Mac-only option. Cantaloupe is a free web and self-hosted option, while Converseen is free software for Linux, macOS, and Windows.

Browse PDF Compression Software for more PDF-focused choices, or compare Photo Resizing Software and PDF Merger Software if those are your main needs.

Verdict

Choose PDFOptim if you want local PDF compression with quality controls and, especially on Mac, folder-based batch processing. Its small paid prices unlock unlimited exports, but the one-export-per-week free cap and lack of cloud storage make it a poor fit for frequent free use or shared online work.