What is a linearized PDF?

One whose internal objects are ordered page by page, with a table that tells the reader where each page starts. Readers that support it show the first page as soon as its part of the file has arrived.

Does it make the file smaller?

Usually a little, because objects are packed together, but that's not the goal. To reduce the size, use Compress PDF first, then optimize the result for the web.

How can I check that a file is linearized?

Many desktop readers show “Fast Web View: Yes” in the document properties, and the command-line tool qpdf reports it with --check-linearization.

Will editing the file undo it?

Usually, yes: most editors save changes in a way that breaks linearization. Optimize as the last step before publishing.

Does it help with files people download rather than view online?

It does no harm, but the benefit is for viewing over a connection. A file opened from a disk is fast either way.

Optimize PDF for web

Make a PDF show its first page while the rest is still loading.

Runs on your device

Other sites: 0Check it yourself

1Add files
2Set up
3Download

Tip: You can also drop files anywhere on this page, or paste them.

Select files

or drop them here

Accepts PDF

How to use Optimize PDF for web

01Add one or more PDFs you will publish online.
02Press Optimize for web; there's nothing to set.
03Download the optimized files and put them on your site in place of the originals.

About Optimize PDF for web

Optimize PDF for web rewrites a file in linearized form, also called fast web view. The objects needed for the first page are placed at the start of the file together with a hint table, so a browser or reader downloading the PDF from a website can show page one almost at once and fetch the other pages as you scroll. Nothing visible changes: the pages, text, images and quality stay exactly the same. It's worth doing for large PDFs you publish on a site or share by link.

Why your files stay private

Even files meant for publishing are drafts until the moment they go live. The rewrite runs with qpdf compiled to WebAssembly in your browser, so the PDF stays on your device until you upload it yourself.