Linearized PDF: Everything You Need to Know

Have you ever waited too long for a PDF to load? If yes, then you know the frustration that comes with it. To prevent it, people upload Linearized PDFs online.

But what is a Linearized PDF? How do we make one?

After reading this article, you’ll know everything about linearized PDFs. Plus, we’ll share a bonus tip on creating standard PDFs with UPDF. You can download UPDF via the below button if you have this requirement.

Let's start this article from the basics.

Part 1. What is a linearized PDF file?

A linearized PDF file is a type of PDF that is specially optimized for online viewing. It’s also known as a “fast web view” PDF.

Let me explain with an example. If standard PDFs require 40 seconds to load online, linearized PDFs only need 4 seconds. They allow the first page to load immediately without downloading the whole content.

But how do they achieve this? This format arranges the file data in a linear sequence. So, the initial pages can be viewed without waiting for the entire document to load.

You can see the difference in this image.

Now, let’s move on.

Part 2. When to linearize PDF?

You can Linearize a PDF when;

• You need to share documents online,
• If your audience needs to access the content quickly without delays,
• If the user has a slow internet connection,
• If the user accesses content on mobile phones,
• If the file is large,
• If the file will be accessed frequently by users.

It’s most helpful for web-based PDFs, such as eBooks and reports.

Got it? Now, let’s show you how to create linearized PDFs.

Part 3. How to Create a Linearized PDF?

Creating a linearized PDF is not difficult at all. You can do it with many PDF readers on your computer. You can also do it online from many sources.

Let’s show you both of these methods with a stepwise guide.

Way 1. Create Linearized PDF Offline

Adobe Acrobat is one of the most reliable tools for creating and editing PDFs. If you set in the preferences, it will automatically make it linearized when using “Save As”. Moreover, you don't require an internet connection for it.

Steps to Create Linearized PDF Offline with Adobe Acrobat

Step 1: Launch Adobe Acrobat. Go to “Menu” > “Preferences” > “Documents” and check “Save As optimizes for Fast Web View”.

Step 2: Open the PDF you want to linearize by clicking on the “Open File” and select the PDF file to open it.

Step 2: Go to the “Menu” menu in the top left corner and select “Save As.”

Step 3: In the “Save As” window, choose where to save your optimized PDF.

Step 4: Once you’ve selected the location, click “Save” to complete the process.

This saved PDF will be linearized.

Now, let's move on to the online method for linearization.

Way 2. Create Linearized PDF Online

Sometimes, you don’t have access to Adobe Acrobat or prefer an online method. In that case, several tools can help you create a linearized PDF easily. They are convenient, user-friendly, and require no software installation. Just upload your PDF, and you can linearize it with a single click. Here, we will take AvePDF as an example.

Steps to Create Linearized PDF Online

Step 1: In your browser, open the AvePDF PDF linearization.

Step 2: Upload your PDF file by clicking the “Upload” button. You can also drag and drop your file into the designated area on the website.

Step 3: AvePDF will automatically optimize your file. Wait until the process finishes.

Step 4: When the linearization is complete, download the optimized PDF to your device.

The file will now be linearized and ready for fast web viewing.

But how do you check if it's really optimized? Let's see!

Part 4. How Do You Check if a PDF is Linearized?

Once you have created a linearized PDF, you need to verify it.

Fortunately, you can quickly check the linearization status of your PDF using a few simple steps. You just need to check the document properties in a PDF reader.

Steps to Check if a PDF is Linearized

Step 1: Launch Adobe Acrobat or your preferred PDF reader. Open the PDF file you want to check in it.

Step 2: Go to the Menu in the top left corner. Now select “Document Properties.”

Step 3: Look for the “Fast Web View” option in the properties window. It's typically located just above the OK button.

Step 4: If the file is linearized, you will see “Fast Web View: Yes.” If it says “No,” the file is not linearized. It would help if you optimized it again using the steps outlined earlier.

That’s all about linearized PDFs. Before we end this article, we have a bonus tip for you. Let me show you a useful tool for creating normal PDFs.

Part 5. Bonus Tip: How to Create Normal PDF with UPDF

UPDF is a specialized PDF editor. It allows users to create blank PDFs with various paper styles. You can also create PDFs from other formats like Word, Excel, or images. What’s more, UPDF also gives features like editing, annotating, and adding content to your documents. You can fully customize your files with it anytime you want.

Download UPDF right now and follow the steps below to create your PDF.

Step 1. Open UPDF and Start a New PDF

Launch the UPDF on your device. Click on the "File" tab in the top left corner.

Step 2. Choose a Creation Type

Go to the, “Create” section and decide what type of PDF you want to create. You can create PDFs from a blank page, from other file formats, from images, or a scanner.

Now let's see all these methods one by one.

Method 1. Create a PDF from a Blank Page

• Select "Blank Page" from the creation options. Customize the PDF by choosing the paper size, orientation, number of pages, and style. Then click “Create.”

• Now, add text, images, and other annotations to make your PDF.

Method 2. Create a PDF from Other File Types

You can create a PDF from Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, or CAJ. Just select the file type from the creation options. Then, upload your document, and UPDF will convert it into a PDF.

Step 3. Save Your PDF

Once the file is created, click “Save” to finalize your PDF. It's a small camera icon in the right toolbar. There are many save options. Choose the one you like.

That's it! Wasn't it easy to create PDFs with UPDF?

UPDF is full of features that you may want. It’s an all-in-one software for your PDF needs. For more information about UPDF, watch the video below now. Also, read this article to improve your PDF editing with UPDF!

In The End

Linearized PDFs are far better than normal PDFs for online use. They improve both the upload and download speed.

We have shown you both offline and online methods of PDF linearization. You can follow the steps outlined in this article for it.

Additionally, if you need to create standard PDFs, you can use UPDF. It allows you to create, edit, and annotate PDFs. Whether you’re working with large files or simple documents, UPDF has got you covered.

So download UPDF right now and check how it can help you!