How to linearize a pdf for progressive page loading
- Step 1Upload the PDF — Drop the document into the linearizer.
- Step 2Apply progressive loading linearization — Restructure the internal PDF for byte-range requests.
- Step 3Download the linearized PDF — Save the updated file.
- Step 4Configure your server for byte-range requests — Ensure your web server supports HTTP byte-range requests (Accept-Ranges: bytes) for progressive PDF loading to work.
Frequently asked questions
Does the web server need any special configuration?+
Yes — the web server must support HTTP Accept-Ranges: bytes headers. Apache and Nginx support this by default. Check your CDN configuration if using a CDN.
Will linearization affect PDF/A compliance?+
Linearized PDFs can be PDF/A compliant. The linearization is a structural property, not a content change.
Should I linearize PDF files served via a CDN?+
Yes — CDNs support byte-range requests by default, making linearized PDFs particularly effective for global CDN delivery.
Privacy first
All PDF processing runs locally in your browser using PDF-lib and pdf.js. No file is ever uploaded — only metadata counters are saved for signed-in dashboard stats.