A new compression method for PDFs is on the horizon, promising to reduce file sizes and improve storage efficiency. While Brotli has long been a popular format used in web browsers and content delivery networks, it has not yet been adopted for PDFs. Now, the PDF community is working on changing that, with plans to include Brotli support in future updates of the PDF standard.

Why Brotli Matters for PDFs

Brotli is known for its high compression ratios and fast performance, making it a favorite for web content. Despite its widespread use online, it hasn’t been used in PDF creation or display. PDFs have traditionally relied on the FlateDecode filter, which is also used for zip and png files, to compress content since 1996. This new move aims to change that, offering a more efficient way to shrink PDF sizes.

The goal is to include Brotli in the upcoming PDF standard, ISO 32000-2, which is maintained by the International Organization for Standardization. The PDF Association is leading the push toward this update, with a draft specification expected to be published this summer. If adopted, Brotli could become a standard part of PDF workflows, potentially making files smaller and easier to manage.

Benefits and Challenges of Using Brotli

Tests conducted by the PDF Association’s members suggest that Brotli could reduce PDF file sizes by 10% to 25%, depending on the content. Smaller files mean less storage space, faster downloads, and more efficient data transfer—especially important as enterprise data lakes grow and the volume of PDFs skyrockets.

However, adopting Brotli isn’t without hurdles. Enterprises that start generating PDFs with Brotli compression will need to update their software and libraries. Many popular PDF readers and creators, like Adobe Acrobat, Foxit, and Nitro PDF, will need upgrades to support the new format. Additionally, browser-integrated PDF viewers will also have to be updated, which could create compatibility issues for users who haven’t yet updated their software.

This transition could be complex because many organizations rely on custom-built tools and third-party libraries embedded deep within their workflows. Updating all these components could take time and require significant effort. Without proper updates, users might encounter PDFs that they cannot open if they are created with Brotli compression, leading to frustration and support requests for IT teams.

Driving Adoption and Overcoming Barriers

Encouraging adoption of Brotli in PDFs requires early movers to set an example. Guust Ysebie, a software engineer specializing in document processing, explains that someone needs to take the initiative to implement support first. Once a few key players adopt Brotli, others are likely to follow, creating a ripple effect across the industry.

Ysebie also notes that the main challenge is the need for consensus among many stakeholders involved in the PDF standard. The process is slow because it requires agreement from hundreds of organizations and individuals. To ease this transition, developers suggest a phased approach, starting with optional support and gradually moving toward full standardization.

Overall, the move toward Brotli compression in PDFs could bring significant benefits in terms of efficiency and storage, but it will require coordinated effort from software vendors, enterprises, and standard organizations. As the technology matures and adoption increases, users can look forward to smaller, more manageable PDF files without sacrificing quality or functionality.

Inspired by

• https://www.computerworld.com/article/4124617/new-pdf-compression-filter-will-save-space-need-software-updates.html

Sources

• infoworld.com
• iso.org
• wikipedia.org
• pdfa.org
• pdfa.org