PDF Compressor

A user-friendly desktop application for compressing PDF files while maintaining reasonable quality. Built with Python and Tkinter.

Features

• Simple and intuitive graphical user interface
• Multiple compression quality options:
  • Screen (Maximum compression, ~60-90% reduction)
  • Ebook (Good compression, ~50-80% reduction)
  • Printer (Medium compression, ~30-50% reduction)
  • Prepress (High quality, ~10-30% reduction)
• Automatic file naming to prevent overwriting existing files
• Real-time compression progress indicator
• Detailed compression results showing original and final sizes

Requirements

• Windows Operating System
• Python 3.6 or higher
• Ghostscript (included in the release package)
• Required Python packages:

  tkinter (usually comes with Python)
  

Installation

Method 1: Using the Executable (Recommended)

1. Download the latest release from the Releases page
2. Extract the ZIP file
3. Run PDF-Compressor.exe

Method 2: From Source

1. Clone this repository:

   git clone https://github.com/yourusername/PDF-Compressor.git

2. Navigate to the project directory:

   cd PDF-Compressor

3. Install Ghostscript:

   • Download from Ghostscript official website
   • Install and ensure it's in your system PATH, or
   • Place the required files (gswin64c.exe and gsdll64.dll) in the gs/bin folder

4. Run the application:

   python pdf_compressor.py

Usage

1. Launch the application
2. Click "Browse" to select your PDF file
3. Choose your desired compression quality:
   • Screen: Best for viewing on screen, highest compression
   • Ebook: Good for e-readers, balanced compression
   • Printer: Suitable for regular printing
   • Prepress: High quality, minimal compression
4. Click "Compress PDF"
5. Wait for the compression to complete
6. The compressed file will be saved with "_compressed" suffix in the same directory

File Naming Convention

• Compressed files are automatically named with the suffix "_compressed"
• If a file with the same name exists, a number is added (e.g., document_compressed_1.pdf)

Troubleshooting

Common Issues:

1. "Ghostscript files not found" error

   • Ensure Ghostscript is properly installed
   • Check if gswin64c.exe and gsdll64.dll are present in the gs/bin folder

2. Application won't start

   • Verify Python is installed correctly
   • Ensure all dependencies are met
   • Check if you have sufficient permissions

3. Compression fails

   • Verify the input PDF is not corrupted
   • Ensure you have write permissions in the output directory
   • Check if the PDF is not password-protected

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! Please feel free to submit a Pull Request.

License

This project is licensed under the MIT License - see the LICENSE file for details.

Acknowledgments

• Built using Ghostscript for PDF compression
• Icon and UI design by SPK

Author

SPK - [GitHub Profile] (https://github.com/parvez144)

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For Developers: Building the Application

Prerequisites

1. Python 3.x installed
2. Required Python packages:
   • PyInstaller
   • Ghostscript (system dependency)

Step 1: Install Dependencies

pip install -r requirements.txt

Step 2: Build the Executable with PyInstaller

1. Create the spec file:

   pyi-makespec --onefile --windowed --icon=spk.ico pdf_compressor.py

2. Edit the spec file to include Ghostscript:

   • Add Ghostscript binaries to the binaries list
   • Add the icon file to the datas list

3. Build the executable:

   pyinstaller pdf_compressor.spec

4. Verify the executable:

   • Check dist/PDF_Compressor.exe
   • Test the executable
   • Ensure Ghostscript is working

Step 3: Create the Setup with Inno Setup

1. Install Inno Setup (Download from: https://jrsoftware.org/isdl.php)

2. Prepare your files:

   • dist/PDF_Compressor.exe (PyInstaller executable)
   • spk.ico (Application icon)
   • setup.iss (Inno Setup script)

3. Open Inno Setup Compiler:

   • Launch Inno Setup Compiler
   • Open the setup.iss file
   • Click "Compile" (or press F9)
   • The setup file will be created in the Output folder

4. Verify the setup:

   • Test the setup on your computer
   • Check all functionality
   • Ensure proper Windows integration

Troubleshooting

PyInstaller Issues

• If executable doesn't run, check Ghostscript inclusion
• If size is too large, check for unnecessary files
• If antivirus triggers, verify the build process

Inno Setup Issues

• If setup creation fails, verify all required files exist
• If setup size is too large, check PyInstaller executable size
• Ensure proper file paths in setup.iss