How to Email Large Files (Written to Fiber Artists)

To my fellow fiber artists, are you interested in any of the following?

• Have patterns download more quickly.
• Attach pattern files, that are currently too large, to emails for a tech editor, designer, test knitter, or anyone.
• Make more space on your computer for new patterns.

This article is for you! Optimizing, or compressing, files sounds technical and complicated, but with the right tool, it’s simple.

I learned this trick recently after editing a file that was too large to be sent back to the knitwear designer through email before being optimized.

Now, it’s a trick that I’m working to form as a habit for all pattern files I work with.

Let me walk you through the process.

Tool for Optimizing Files

To reduce the size of a pattern PDF, a software that has the option to optimize files is the only tool needed.

If you have a software that is used for working on PDFs, search to see if it allows you to optimize your pattern PDF files.

Though I have not tested these sources, there are free websites that allow you to upload your PDF files and have them optimized.

I use PDF-XChange Editor for tech editing, and it gives me the option to optimize the files I work on.

Let me show you the process step-by-step.

How I Optimize Files in PDF-XChange Editor

Before I show each step, note the size of the PDF file attached to the email below. I’m using the knitting pattern I’ve designed (Fancy Little Feet, a child-sized sock) as an example. The pattern had 12 pages and included images.

I’ll show the size of the same pattern file optimized at the end.

1. Open the software. Open the PDF file to be optimized. Click on File in the upper left corner.

2. Under File, the option to Save as Optimized appears in a menu. Click on Save as Optimized.

3. A window opens with the option to customize how the file is optimized. In my software, I usually don’t need to make any adjustments. I click OK.

If I notice poor image quality in photos of the sample, charts, etc. I will need to make changes. I write more on this point in the next section of this article.

4. Click Save to save the now optimized PDF file of the pattern.

5. Attach optimized PDF file to email so it can be sent to others in the community of knitting pattern makers. Notice the smaller file size!

Concerns with Optimizing Files

As I wrote above, the process of optimizing files is full of pros.

1. It allows me to send pattern files through email that would otherwise be too large to send.
2. Any file can be downloaded by me and the person I’m sending it to more quickly.
3. Space is saved on the computer of those with the optimized file making more room for new patterns. 😊

On the other hand, poor image quality can occur in some optimization processes.

This is important to avoid as charts, sample photos, and schematics are common images in patterns that contain crucial information for a successful and enjoyable make.

With my PDF-XChange Editor software, I have no issue with low quality images, but check that the images are still clear and visually appealing in your pattern after optimizing.

Conclusion

Let me know in the comments your thoughts or if this post is helpful.

What software do you use when following or working on a PDF pattern?

Many of us who knit and/or crochet would rather be making a beautiful masterpiece with yarn than wasting time on the computer.

One thing I love is that this little trick of optimizing files helps me and the person I’m sending the file to save time.

The patterns download faster. They take up less space making room for more patterns. More patterns can lead to more making! 😉