Your portfolio PDF is 80MB. Gmail rejects it. You upload to WeTransfer, send the link, the prospect doesn't click. The friction lost you the pitch.
Portfolios need different compression than property listings. Get it right.
Target under 10MB
Most email systems accept attachments up to 25MB but flag anything over 10MB as heavy. For portfolio PDFs, aim for under 10MB — small enough to attach, large enough to preserve image quality at screen viewing scale. Compress PDF at medium handles this for most portfolios.
What to keep sharp
Typography matters in design portfolios — clients judge work partly on type rendering. Compression that's fine for photos can blur type. Test the compressed PDF specifically on case studies featuring typography work. If type still reads cleanly, you're fine.
Keep originals
Never overwrite the original portfolio with the compressed version. Keep both: `Portfolio_2026_FULL.pdf` for print or detailed review, `Portfolio_2026_EMAIL.pdf` for pitches. The naming convention prevents accidental loss of the high-resolution master.
Test on the receiving device
Open the compressed portfolio on a phone. If photos still look crisp and type still reads, you've compressed correctly. Most freelancers over-compress because they only check on the same monitor they edited on. Phones are where prospects actually open the file.
FAQ
What's the worst compression artefact for designers?
Visible JPEG blocking on flat colour areas. Logos, type, and brand colour palettes show artefacts first. Compress conservatively if these are central to your work.
Should I compress before or after combining case studies?
After combining. Compress the final assembled portfolio once, not each case study separately.
Can I send portfolios over 25MB?
WeTransfer or Dropbox link in the email. But for first impression, the compressed PDF attached directly converts better than a link.
Does compression affect print quality?
Yes — for print, use the original. Compressed versions are for screen distribution only.
Compression that respects the work. Shrink your portfolio in Flint and your pitches arrive at full quality, fully attached.