Illustrator file is massive

[GrangerMorton]

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

[Monika Gause]

Which other options do you check when saving?

When you reopen the file, can you check in the Links panel, if all the images are really linked and not embedded?

[GrangerMorton]

Only these ones..... and none of the images are embedded.... (and there are no icons next to any images)

[Monika Gause]

What else is in the file?

Do you use transparency? Patterns, brushes, effects?

Have you ever used "Save as"?

[GrangerMorton]

I've used patterns and brushes in other projects ....

Save as?, I've done 'save as' and replaced existing file

G

[Monika Gause]

I've used patterns and brushes in other projects ....

By @GrangerMorton

Unless the other projects are associated with this one, they don't matter.

Can you please tell us what is in this file?

How many objects?

What kind of objects?

WHich functions did you use to create this?

[GrangerMorton]

2 objects (jpg) each 250mb

about 6 object (psd) about 6mb each

end client created the original an Illustrator file with everyhing embedded. I un-embedded them and linked them, and re-saved.
That original Illustrator file was about 1.8gb (yes, that's right....gb), hence why I wanted to link all the objects

[Monika Gause]

So there are just these images placed/linked in the file?

[GrangerMorton]

yes, nothing embedded.
This file was made  from the end client's file. Theirs had everything embedded but I un-embedded everything, deleted those objects and re[placed them.
I've had to create a new doc and place all new images in.  
I'd still like to know why this happened though, to make sure I can solve if I have to.

[Monika Gause]

There is nothing else in that file? No text, no paths, nothing?

Based on what you tell us about the file, it is simply impossible to tell why it's so large.

[jdanek]

"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 ). 

[Met1]

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...