> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.filecheck.io/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Create an Optimization Preset

> A reusable transform that forces a PDF or Raster file into a target shape — independent of preflight.

An **Optimization Preset** is a standalone transform that forces a file into a defined target shape. Unlike a [Preflight Profile](/configuration/preflight), a preset doesn't *judge* whether a file passes — it **reshapes** the file. Presets live in **Library → Optimization Presets** and are independent of the rule/profile chain.

## Profile vs Preset

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Preflight Profile" icon="magnifying-glass">
    Inspects a file against checks and reports pass / warn / reject. Runs at **intake**, while the customer waits.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Optimization Preset" icon="wand-magic-sparkles">
    Unconditionally transforms a file to a target shape. Runs in **processing**, or on demand as a job.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## What a preset can do

A preset bundles any of these transforms:

| Transform            | What it does                                                                                  |
| -------------------- | --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Scale images**     | Downsample images to a target resolution (e.g. 300 DPI).                                      |
| **Compression**      | Re-encode images — JPEG/JPEG2000 quality, JBIG2/CCITT for bitonal.                            |
| **Color conversion** | Convert to a target space (e.g. CMYK), handle spot colors and overprint.                      |
| **Gray to 1-bit**    | Convert grayscale to bitonal (optionally Otsu).                                               |
| **Text to outlines** | Outline text — all, or non-embedded only.                                                     |
| **Flatten layers**   | Flatten optional content (layers) into a single layer.                                        |
| **Hairlines**        | Thicken thin strokes to a minimum width (e.g. 0.25 pt).                                       |
| **Strip**            | Remove thumbnails, annotations, form fields, JavaScript, attachments, private data, and more. |

## Create one

<Steps>
  <Step title="Create the preset">
    Go to **Library → Optimization Presets** and create a new preset. Name it for its purpose (e.g. *Web-safe 150 DPI*, *Press CMYK 300*).
  </Step>

  <Step title="Enable the transforms you need">
    Turn on each transform and set its parameters — target resolution, color target, JPEG quality, minimum hairline width, and so on. Everything left off passes through untouched.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Save">
    Save the preset so it can be applied where a forced transform is needed.
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Where presets are used

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="In a Workflow" icon="gears">
    Select the preset in a workflow's **optimize** step. Files are reshaped during processing, after the trigger.
  </Card>

  <Card title="As a one-off job" icon="bolt">
    Run **Optimize a PDF File** from the [Jobs](/configuration/jobs) screen to apply a preset to a single file and download the result immediately.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Note>
  Because presets are independent, the same preset can be reused anywhere a forced output is required, without being tied to a specific rule or workflow.
</Note>