Bitmap Image Components Compression?

[Doctor_TS]

Hi,

I have a scientific illustration that contains both vector graphics and bitmap images that is massive in size (29 Mb). This is most likely due to the bitmap components included in this illustration. Although, I'm pretty sure that the answer to my question will be: "use Photoshop", I would like to know if there is a way to compress the bitmap images within Illustrator without having to rebuild the entire illustration.

Thank you for your help.

Best regards

[Jacob Bugge · Accepted solution]

Doctor TS,

If it is only about the AI file size, linking instead of embedding (clicking Link when placing) would make the difference.

In that way you can adjust t resolution/file size in the source file. And that will determine the file size of the resulting PDF (presumed, or whichever kind of file).

For existing embedded images, you should be able to Select and Unembed:

Unembed images in Illustrator

[Kurt Gold]

Which version of Illustrator are you using?

Also, providing a sample .ai file would be helpful, so one can see about what you are actually talking. Plus, what do you mean by "compressing" the images? Just reducing their ppi? Or something else? Are the images embedded or linked? Any other relevant info you may want to provide?

"Massive in size (29 MB)": Well, that depends on what the file contains. 29 MB was "massive in size" two or three decades ago. Nowadays it may be just an appropriate file size if there are actually 29 MB of data.

Can you elaborate?

[Doctor_TS]

Hi Kurt,

I use Illustrator CC 2017. I cannot share the file since it contains confidential information but another forum member also pointed out that I would have had greater control if the bitmap images had been linked rather than embedded.

As you pointed out, 29 MB is not that bad and I found a way to transfer this and other files to our editing partner.

Thanks for your help.

Sincerely,

TS