Illustrator file is massive

Forum|Forum|4 years ago
October 4, 2021
3 replies
3404 views

Hi all,

I'm working with some client files,

They had embedded large photoshop files in Illustrator. I need to duplicate some of these PS files in my document so I un-embedded them (saving to a new folder) and re-linked to those new PS files (some PS files I flattened to jpgs as well). there are 2 linked files of about 250mb and 6 of about 5mb
All files are now linked, "PDF Compatible..." is unchecked when I save, but still the Illustrator file is 450mb.
What can also cause large files?? Surely there's very little info in my file.
I can't post any screenshots as it's a rather famous "brand"

Any help gratefully recieved

G

This topic has been closed for replies.

Met1

Legend

Just for fun, save as original doc (A) with exactly the same settings, just a file name change (B), then select all, delete, then save - what size is your doc now? Just as a double check, make a brand new doc (C) with the same artboard size and save, what size is that?

I just double checked this for myself cos I figured if your placing a huge pixel image in a file it's gonna get bigger, it does, but only just. With a 124"x70" artboard, and nothing else, file size is 1.13M, with a 140Mb pixel image placed it goes up to 1.17M.

I then stripped all the swatches patterns etc with Delete Unused Panel Items action and the placed image file drops to 878kb, less than the original file, see attached.

Got layers, hidden layers, locked layers, locked art, anything off the artboard - I know, questions you already asked yourself...

J

jdanek

Inspiring

"2 objects (jpg) each 250mb"... what size is your document? Are those image files scaled down? Or are they coming in at 100%? Make sure, and I would recommend, to create a new document ( sort of start over ) and Save As ( under a new name ) with Link Image Files selected. Double check the un-embedded image files' size, make sure the resolution is appropriate for where the file is going and you Place the image files at 100%. The previous file, eventhough you un-embedded the image files, they may still be embedded and or are linking to the original file ( that's why I suggest you create a new document ).