AI 2021 Saving is Super Slow with PDF Compatibility On
When I save with the PDF compatibility box checked, larger, more complex files take as long as 10 minutes to save. Uncheck the box, and it takes seconds. I need the compatibility turned on; otherwise, I can't place the file as an image in another file.
Tech specs: 16" MBP 2019 with 2.6GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, 32GB RAM and AMD Radeon Pro 5500m 4GB card, running Mac OS 11.5.2 and AI 25.4.1.
So, I've been doing some digging... I've done the following. If anyone has any additional suggestions, please suggest!!
- I've uninstalled (not saving prefs) and reinstalled it with the Cloud app.
- I've reset preferences. (After the reinstall.)
- I've turned off the usual things like auto-saving to the cloud, data recovery for complex docs, and extended autosave recovery data to 30 minutes.
- Files are saved on the same HD as the system.
- The Document Info box shows no objects at all in the file. (There are linked images in the file.)
- Illustrator is aware of the printer on the network.
- Performance is the same whether wifi is turned on and connected, or off.
- Finally, it doesn't make a difference if I lower the resolution in Document Raster Effects Settings.
The file, when saved with PDF compatibility turned on, is 313Mb. It's less than 20 with it turned off. Regardless, it seems excessive that it takes 10 minutes to save a 300Mb file.
There are two things I have not done:
1. disconnected one of my 27" monitors, and
2. saved all the linked files smaller. There are a bunch of them, so I have been avoiding that... but now I'm off to do that after I post this.
Thanks, folks. This has been slowing me down all week. It was slow last week too, but this week it's slower.
