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polishskaterguy
Participant
October 24, 2025
Question

PDF Compatibility Check Box Should NOT Convert images to .PSD files

  • October 24, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 52 views

As an example, I have a packaged layout file right now that has 3 linked images totaling 25mb. The .ai file is 4.4mb. Everything needed to print, share, edit this layout etc is 30 mb. But if the somewhat careless designers I work with check "PDF Compatability" when saving this .ai before sharing the package with me, that file will baloon to 140mb. This effect is much work on large layouts where .ai files can get well over 3 gb with the PDF check box. 

 

The root cause is that the images are embedded and CONVERTED to .psd files by default which removes the jpg compression of the image file size. This is all happening un-seen in the software, no one actually describes this effect, but that's what's happening. There is no real reason for this. PDFs can handle jpg files. 

1 reply

Abhishek Rao
Community Manager
Abhishek RaoCommunity Manager
Community Manager
October 24, 2025

Hi @polishskaterguy,

 

Thanks for sharing the detailed explanation. I can understand how frustrating that must be. I'm now checking this internally with the product team to understand what's causing it and whether it's expected.

I'll share an update here as soon as I hear back from them.

 

Thanks for your patience.

Abhishek

P
polishskaterguyAuthor
Participant
October 24, 2025

Hello, 

 

To add to this, it's also the case for ALL embedded images in Illustrator. The same thing happens in the links pallete when embedding an image: the JPG compression / format is lost and converted to PSD, always. No choice is given. 

This effect can also triple on a careless user. If someone packages their linked .jpg images, then foolishly embeds them (that's one more psd copy uncompressed) THEN selects the PDF compatabilty check box (That's now the 2nd copy of the same uncompressed PSD file) PLUS the jpg in the packaged Links folder. Three copies of one image, 1 compressed, 2 uncompressed. that could take a 100mb jpg file up to like 4gb total package. 

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