Illustrator File Size Extremely Large Due to Embedded High-Resolution PNGs

[Conrad241567045mok]

I am creating labels in Adobe Illustrator and for some reason the files are enormous. The file size is roughly 2x4 inches. It has one 28MB PNG and one 6MB PNG embedded other than some text and a barcode. But the file size is 400MB! I don't have trouble working in it, but I don't like to submit such a massive file to the printing company. 😳 Is there anything I can do to get a decent sized file?

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[Bobby Henderson · Accepted solution]

What are the pixel dimensions of the two embedded PNG images? 28MB and 6MB file sizes would imply images with really high pixel counts. PNG images are data compressed, sometimes to a pretty extreme degree if the imagery is graphical in nature and has substantial areas of flat color. When the images are embedded into an Illustrator document they're decompressed.

When submitting a PDF to a printing company the embedded images will be saved according to the settings chosen in the Save As dialog box. If Illustrator editing capability is preserved in the PDF file then Illustrator data will be appended to the PDF. That will include those decompressed embedded images.

If the print file is only 2" X 4" it might be worth adjusting the resolution of those images in the PDF export box. It sounds like the resolution of the PNG images is at an overkill level. If the print house doesn't need to do any further editing to the PDF file and they're only going to print the file it won't be necessary to give them an Illustrator-friendly PDF file. Uncheck "Preserve Illustrator Editing Capability" in the copy of the PDF you send to the printer. The file size will be noticeably smaller.

[Conrad241567045mok]

The pixels for the one file are 21630 x 14400 and the other one is 5376 x 3577.

I actually need to submit the original AI files to the company. Would you suggest trying to get smaller PNG's?

[Ton Frederiks · Accepted solution]

You can link the files and save the .ai file without PDF compatibilty. Make sure to also provide the linked images.

[Conrad241567045mok]

Thank you to both answers! It really helps to link the PNG files. I did that and it brought the file size all the way down to 16MB. I will just have to provide all the files for the company I guess. 

Thanks again!

[Michele Weisbart · Accepted solution]

Yes, make sure to make a folder with the images and anyplace you send the file, the folder should be included so images remain linked.