Getting Started with PDF Optimizer
JSON Profiles, Batch Processing & PDF/A
PDF Optimizer is a command-line tool from Datalogics that gives developers precise, configurable control over how PDFs are processed. Rather than applying generic compression, you define exactly what gets optimized through a JSON profile file. This guide walks you through what PDF Optimizer does, how it works, and how to get started with the predefined profiles included in your download.
What Is PDF Optimizer?
PDF Optimizer reduces PDF file size and improves document performance through a configurable set of operations: image downsampling and recompression, color space conversion, transparency flattening, font subsetting, object removal, metadata stripping, and linearization for fast web delivery. It also converts PDFs to PDF/A and PDF/X for archival and print compliance.
It runs as a command-line tool on Windows (64-bit) and Linux (64-bit), making it suitable for server-side deployment, automated batch pipelines, and integration into CI/CD workflows. Every operation is defined in a JSON profile file that you configure once and reuse across every document in your pipeline.
How PDF Optimizer Works
The optimization process applies a defined sequence of operations to each input PDF. The core stages are:
• Flatten transparencies to resolve rendering issues in print workflows and older PDF viewers
• Color conversion to convert images and objects to the target color space for the intended output medium
• Content optimization, including image downsampling, recompression, font subsetting, and object removal
• PDF/A or PDF/X conversion for archival and compliance output
Each stage is optional and controlled entirely by the JSON profile. If a setting is not specified in your profile, it is not applied. All settings are off by default.
Understanding JSON Profiles
The JSON profile is the control file for PDF Optimizer. It is a plain-text file that specifies which optimization operations to apply, to which content types, and with what settings. You can use a predefined profile as-is, modify a predefined profile for your use case, or build a custom profile from scratch.
Profiles are flexible and granular. You can specify different image downsampling settings for color, grayscale, and monochrome images. You can define different compression algorithms for each image type. You can strip specific object types while preserving others. Because all settings are optional, you can start with a minimal profile and add operations incrementally as you tune your workflow.
Predefined Profiles Included with PDF Optimizer
PDF Optimizer ships with a set of predefined JSON profiles covering the most common optimization scenarios:
• compressionMedium.json: Balanced compression suitable for most document types. Reduces file size with minimal visible quality impact.
• compressionHigh.json: Aggressive compression for maximum size reduction. Best for documents that will only ever be viewed on screen at low resolution.
• PDFA-1b.json: Converts to PDF/A-1b for basic archival compliance. Embeds fonts, removes disallowed elements, and normalizes color spaces.
• PDFA-3u.json: Converts to PDF/A-3u for archival compliance with full Unicode text mapping and embedded file support.
• printing.json: Configured for print-ready output. Preserves image resolution, applies appropriate color profiles, and flattens transparencies.
To apply a predefined profile, pass it to PDF Optimizer using the -p flag along with your input and output paths. For example:
pdfoptimizer -i input.pdf -p compressionMedium.json -o output.pdf
You can apply any profile to a single file or an entire directory. For batch processing, point the -i flag at a folder and PDF Optimizer will process every PDF in that directory using the same profile settings.
Bundled Tool: PDF Checker
Every PDF Optimizer purchase includes PDF Checker at no additional cost. PDF Checker is a diagnostic tool that analyzes PDF documents for structural errors, unembedded fonts, invalid color spaces, and other issues before they reach the optimization step.
Running PDF Checker before PDF Optimizer is recommended for production pipelines. Documents with severe structural issues may not convert cleanly, and identifying them before the optimization pass means you can route problematic files to a review queue rather than allowing them to fail silently.
Getting Started: Next Steps
Download the free trial from datalogics.com, no credit card required. The trial includes the full tool, all predefined profiles, PDF Checker, and complete documentation covering every JSON profile setting and command-line option.
Start with compressionMedium.json on a sample of your most common document type. Review the results report, which logs input and output size, operations applied, and any warnings for each processed file. Adjust the profile settings based on your output quality requirements, then run a larger batch.
For questions about profile configuration, JSON settings, or pipeline architecture, Datalogics technical support is available to all licensed customers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get started with PDF Optimizer?
Download the free trial from datalogics.com, which includes the full tool, predefined profiles, PDF Checker, and documentation. Start by running one of the predefined JSON profiles on a sample of your documents, review the results report, and adjust settings as needed for your workflow.
What is a JSON profile in PDF Optimizer?
A JSON profile is a configuration file that defines which optimization operations PDF Optimizer applies and with what settings. All settings are optional and off by default, so the profile gives you precise control over exactly what changes in each document. You configure the profile once and apply it consistently across every document in your pipeline.
What predefined profiles come with PDF Optimizer?
PDF Optimizer includes compressionMedium.json, compressionHigh.json, PDFA-1b.json, PDFA-3u.json, and printing.json. Each is configured for a common use case and can be used as-is or modified for your specific requirements.
Does PDF Optimizer include PDF Checker?
Yes. PDF Checker is included free with every PDF Optimizer purchase. It validates documents for structural errors, unembedded fonts, and invalid color spaces before they enter your optimization pipeline.
Try PDF Optimizer for free and take control over how your PDFs are processed.