Removing unnecessary images from PDF files allows reducing file size and improves load times, accessibility, and printing costs. However, unlike text, images embedded in PDFs cannot be easily edited.
This article outlines 4 straightforward methods to delete images from PDFs using common software tools. We cover using Adobe Acrobat Pro, online PDF editors, installed PDF software, and image editors. By following these simple tutorials, you can learn to customize displays and tailor PDFs to specific needs.
Using Adobe Acrobat Pro
Step 1: Open the PDF File in Adobe Acrobat Pro
Acrobat Pro offers advanced functionality for professionally working with PDF files across devices. After opening the app, click on the ‘Open File’ button towards the upper left side and browse to select the target PDF document that requires removal of one or more embedded images inside the file. Select the file so that it opens directly within the Acrobat editing interface.
Step 2: Select the Image to be Removed
Now scroll through the fully opened PDF file within the Acrobat window to locate the specific image identified for removal. Slowly skim through each page to visually spot the image.
Once found, click directly on the image you want to delete in order to open the context toolbar menu. Within this right sidebar menu, specifically choose the ‘Edit Object’ tool to activate the image for in-place editing.
Step 3: Delete the Selected Image
With the target image object now activated and editable, simply press the delete button on your keyboard or alternatively right-click on the image and select the ‘Delete’ option to fully remove the image.
Finally, save the changes to the PDF through the main menu and close the file to confirm the selected image or images have been removed as needed from the document upon reopening.
Using Online PDF Tools
Step 1: Choose a Reliable Online PDF Tool
Start this method by first navigating on your desktop web browser to any secure, reputable website offering online PDF editing capabilities.
- We highly recommend checking out the free-to-use PopAi’s AI pdf reader for not only seamlessly removing embedded images through an intuitive web interface but also using a plethora of additional industry-leading capabilities like fast document summarization, smart content discovery powered by AI, and powerful PDF annotation features.
Step 2: Upload the PDF File
After signing up for an account with the chosen online PDF manipulation tool service, check their UI for options to upload a file. Typically, this appears as a button labeled ‘Upload PDF’ or similar.
Click this button and browse to select the target PDF document stored locally that contains the images you need to strip out from within the file itself. Allow a few moments for the tool’s servers to fully process the uploaded document.
Step 3: Select and Remove Images
Once processed, the web interface will display page thumbnails of the now editable PDF. Locate the toolbar area and click the ‘Delete’ icon to activate removal mode.
Finally, click directly on each target image displayed on respective pages that requires permanent deletion. Carefully review the changes within the web preview. When satisfied, download the revised PDF now stripped of unneeded images for local storage and usage.
Using PDF Editing Software
Step 1: Install PDF Editing Software
For this approach, first download and install premium specialized software like Adobe Acrobat Pro DC or Foxit PhantomPDF on your desktop device. Alternatively, opt for free and open source PDF manipulation programs such as PDF Buddy, PDFsam, or LibreOffice Draw.
Carefully follow all on-screen setup instructions provided by the chosen PDF application installer. Be sure to restart your computer system after fully completing software installation to load components.
Step 2: Open the PDF File in the Software
Launch the newly setup PDF editing application and select ‘Open File’ or simply ‘Open’ depending on the app’s interface.
Next, browse to choose the target PDF document stored locally that contains one or more images identified for complete removal. Ensure you select the correct file before clicking the ‘Open’ button to fully load the document within the dedicated PDF editing program’s canvas and interfaces.
Step 3: Locate and Delete Images
With the PDF document now opened in the application, scroll through pages slowly while visually inspecting to locate the exact images slated for deletion. Some editors also offer text search functions to find images.
Once found on respective pages, simply click or tap to select the target image object. With the image highlighted, click the ‘Delete’ button clearly visible on interface menus. Alternatively, hit the delete key on your connected keyboard. Confirm changes by saving the file after removing all necessary images.
Using Image Editing Software
Step 1: Open the PDF File in Image Editing Software
For this method, first download and install common raster graphic manipulation programs like GIMP, Paint.net, or the online editor Photopea.
Launch your chosen image editor application and select ‘Open’ from the top File menu. Then browse and navigate to select the target PDF file that you need to delete embedded images from. Allow a few moments for processing after opening the file.
Step 2: Select and Delete Images as Needed
Because PDF documents get converted into an editable image format within graphic software, programmatically identified objects may not highlight perfectly. Carefully skim each page for target images identified earlier.
Click on any part of the images intended for removal to activate selections. Selected areas will be highlighted visually. With unwanted images selected, simply hit the delete button on your keyboard to strip them out page by page.
Conclusion
In closing, stripping out unnecessary images embedded within PDFs can be achieved through several free and paid software options spanning dedicated PDF editors, online tools, and even image manipulation programs with the right technique. Follow these simple tutorials using readily available applications to customize documents to meet any requirements.