Linked Images - File Size Issue

[Leal]

I am currently using the latest version of Illustrator CC and I seem to be running into an issue. Bear with me if this has already been discussed, and point me to the right discussion if such is the case.

I am working on a layout for a flyer (8.5x11) using two art boards and I am trying to keep the document size to the smallest possible so I am using linked images. The issue is that the linked images create a file size of about 300MB. When I remove the linked images the file size is only about 2MB. The size difference is astounding.

Is the "Link" function suppose to work this way? I am certain that the link function should only point to the image without adding an increase in document size.

Any assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.

[Leal · Accepted solution]

I found a solution using the recommendations on a previous post. The post is: Files with linked images very large - help

What it basically said was that the PDF Compatible option when saving increases the file size. The above solution decreases the file size tremendously but the Ai file won't be of much use if you want to use the Ai file when using InDesign. I hope others find this useful.

[Etienne Landois]

Worked perfectly well. Save a copy, and de-check the PDF Compatible Option. Thank you!