Linearizing PDFs
Linearization (also called Fast Web View) restructures PDFs so the first page shows instantly instead of making you wait for the whole thing to download. Normal PDFs make browsers download everything before showing anything. Linearized PDFs let the first page display in 1-2 seconds while the rest loads in the background. Massive improvement for web-embedded PDFs, mobile viewing, email attachments.
In-browser processing. Server-free.
Upload
- Upload your PDF. Up to 500MB.
- Shows filename and original size.
- "Ready for Optimization" indicator when loaded.
Pick Profile
- Four optimization levels:
- Web (Recommended): 65% smaller, 85% faster load, 60% less memory. For websites, docs, blogs.
- Mobile First: 70% smaller, 90% faster, 75% less memory. Ultra-optimized for phones and slow connections.
- Email Ready: 80% smaller, 70% faster, 65% less memory. Max compression for attachment limits.
- Archive Quality: 40% smaller, 60% faster, 50% less memory. Balanced optimization keeping quality high.
- Each shows estimated savings.
Optimize
- Hit "Optimize for [PROFILE]".
- Progress bar shows percentage.
- Process includes: analyzing structure, reorganizing for first-page-first, creating hint tables, compressing, optimizing images and fonts, cleaning metadata.
- Usually takes seconds.
Results
- After completion:
- Original size vs optimized size.
- Space saved.
- Reduction percentage.
- Performance improvements:
- First page load - 85-95% faster
- Memory usage - 45-60% less
- Streaming efficiency - 90%+
- Each with colored progress bars.
Download
- Click "Download Optimized PDF".
- Saves as "filename_OPTIMIZED.pdf".
- Looks identical but loads way faster.
- Open in browser to see instant first page display.
Preview (Optional)
- Click Preview to see it in browser.
- First page displays instantly - that's linearization working.
- Scroll to verify content.
What Is Linearization?
- Restructures PDF so page 1 content is at the file beginning.
- Browsers can display first page immediately using byte-range requests.
- Rest of pages load in background as you scroll.
- Without: User waits 30 seconds for 10MB download before seeing page 1.
- With: Page 1 shows in 1-2 seconds, rest loads silently.
Benefits:
- Instant first page - no waiting.
- Lower bounce rates - people don't leave while waiting.
- Less bandwidth - if they only view first pages, later ones never download.
- Better mobile experience on cellular.
- Improved SEO from faster loading.
- Professional feel.
- Universal compatibility - works everywhere.
Common Uses:
- Website embedded PDFs - catalogs, brochures, manuals.
- Email attachments - white papers, reports.
- Mobile apps - in-app PDF viewing.
- Document management systems.
- E-learning platforms.
Other Stuff:
- In-browser: All processing client-side. Complete privacy.
- Quality preservation: Structural optimization only. Visual quality untouched.
- Up to 500MB: Handles large files.
- Standards compliant: Works universally.
- Measurable: Concrete metrics showing improvements.
Upload, pick profile, optimize, download. Makes PDFs load 90% faster by showing first page instantly while rest streams in background. Essential for websites and mobile.