PDF strict / balanced / maximum differences
The right mode depends on how strongly you value appearance stability over file-size reduction.
Strict
Strict is the safest starting point when you want to keep the visible look of the PDF as stable as possible.
It is a good fit for proposals, manuals, and presentation material where appearance changes feel risky.
Balanced
Balanced is useful when strict mode does not save enough space and you are comfortable with a moderate level of image-focused optimization.
It often works well for scanned documents, screenshot-heavy files, and practical sharing use.
Maximum Compression
Maximum Compression is for cases where the smallest possible file matters more than preserving every small visual detail.
It is better used only when you truly need aggressive reduction.