This script is meant to simplify ghostscript syntax and also to have a convenient and practical solution for PDF compression.
The only dependencies you need to install ghostscript. To do this, just go to the repo of your Linux distro or to brew if it is mac os x and install the package of the same name. For the rest the script can be put in a path to be more convenient.
sudo pacman -S ghostscriptsudo apt install ghostscriptsudo dnf install ghostscriptbrew install ghostscriptOf course it is also possible to install it manually.
To make the script globally accessible, you can move it to your local bin directory:
chmod +x pdfcompressor.sh
sudo mv pdfcompressor.sh /usr/local/bin/pdfcompressorOnce installed, you can use the script with the following syntax:
pdfcompressor [option] input.pdf [output.pdf]| Flag | Long Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| -h | –help | Show the help message and exit. |
| -f | –format | Select a specific compression level. |
| -fl | –format-list | Display all available compression DPI levels. |
| -p | –prev | Interactive mode with live size comparison (Preview). |
If you don’t specify an output name, the script creates filename_comp.pdf with default settings:
pdfcompressor document.pdfCompress a file specifically for screen viewing (low res, small size):
pdfcompressor -f screen input.pdf output_small.pdfThis is the most useful feature. It allows you to test different levels and see the final file size before saving:
pdfcompressor -p my_heavy_file.pdf- screen: 72 dpi (smallest size, lowest quality).
- ebook: 150 dpi (perfect for digital reading).
- preprint: 300 dpi (high quality, color preserving).
- printer: 300 dpi (optimized for physical printing).
- default: GS standard balance.