Constraint workflow

Send PDF Under 5MB

Use this when portals reject files over 5MB and you need to pass on the first try.

Target: < 5MBTypical time: 4-7 minMain risk: Readability drop

Workflow steps

  1. Split by sections first

    Segment large files before compression to avoid all-or-nothing failure.

  2. Remove non-required pages

    Shrink size by content pruning before quality tradeoffs.

  3. Compress to under 5MB

    Use email-oriented profile and re-check key text blocks.

Constraint-to-action map

  • Hard cap: attachment must be under 5MB · Use split + trim before maximum compression.
  • Single-file required by recipient · Compress each section first, then merge minimal successful outputs.
  • Dense charts become hard to read · Roll back from maximum to balanced and trim more pages instead.

Final checklist

  • Output file is below 5MB with correct page order.
  • Small text remains readable at 100% zoom.
  • Filename is versioned for easy handoff tracking.