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Forum Discussion

DebraV's avatar
DebraV
Helpful | Level 6
2 years ago

Pdf compression

Hi I have just begun using a shared Dropbox which has lots of pdfs that have never been compressed and are HUGE!  They are close to filling the storage space.  I have noticed an online pdf compressi...
Quota
Storage space
  • allanmax3321's avatar
    allanmax3321
    10 months ago

    Yes, replacing a file with a compressed version frees up space. When you upload a new, smaller version, Dropbox automatically recognizes it as the same file and replaces the older one. This means the old, larger file is deleted, and you gain the difference in storage space.

    Things to consider before suggesting compression:

    • Compression isn't magic: While PDF2go is a good tool, compression reduces file size by sacrificing some quality. Ensure the content remains legible and usable after compression. Test a few files first to find the right balance.
    • Backup important files: Before compressing anything crucial, create a backup copy outside of Dropbox. This ensures you have the original version if needed.
    • Inform Dropbox owners: Explain your plan to compress older PDFs and the potential space savings. Address any concerns about quality loss or potential issues with accessing compressed files.
    • Check for sensitive information: If the PDFs contain sensitive information, avoid using online compression tools. Look for desktop software with strong security measures or explore password-protected online services.
DebraV's avatar
DebraV
Helpful | Level 6

Hi Hannah

If its a shared doc is there something you have to do to remove it to replace? I had a private account and when it was at its limit i had to recreate the account because even after deleting the files it made no difference to the storage size.

 

 

Hannah's avatar
Hannah
Icon for Dropbox Staff rankDropbox Staff
2 years ago

Hi again, Debra!

 

If it's a folder that someone else shared with you and you want to remove it completely, you will need to remove your own access to the folder.

 

This should delete it from your account and free up the space, but will not affect other members' access.

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