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wgullo
wgullo
Inspiring
June 13, 2025
Answered

Why a large AI file size - 18mb ?

  • June 13, 2025
  • 1 reply
  • 500 views

I created 3 nearly identical bar charts using no linked/embeded/external art. Everything is just text labels and rectangular objects. Two of the charts are under 500kb but, one chart is 18mb, and I don't understand why.

 

I had intended to email the AI files to the client so they could update statistics in the future. But, this one file is really large to email, and doesn't match the others in size.

 

All files are 8.5x11, RGB color space. 

Each file has about 20 layers, sharing a common naming scheme between them.

No Groups or sub-layers.

Show All is grayed-out.

The Links panel is empty.

I have checked each layer and there is nothing other than the text label and rectangular object.

Saving As or Save A Copy results in the same file size.

Saving with/without PDF compatible makes no difference.

 

If I copy the contents to a new blank document, then the file size is normal. But, I loose all my layer organization in the process. It's a pain to recreate the layer names and organization.

 

What could possibly be the hang-up with the large file size?  Thanks.

 

iMac 24 M1 16gb

Sonoma 14.7.6

AI 29.5.1

Correct answer Ton Frederiks

To keep the layers during copy/paste, check the "Paste Remembers Layers" in the Layers panel menu.

1 reply

Ton Frederiks
Community Expert
Ton FrederiksCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
June 13, 2025

To keep the layers during copy/paste, check the "Paste Remembers Layers" in the Layers panel menu.

    wgullo
    wgulloAuthor
    Inspiring
    June 13, 2025

    Thanks, Ton. Always a delight to learn new features about AI. Your solution worked as described, the new file size is normal. And, I will never know why the original file is so humongus, but it doesn't matter at this point. Problem solved. 

    Dave Creamer of IDEAS
    Community Expert
    Dave Creamer of IDEASCommunity Expert
    Community Expert
    June 13, 2025

    To refer back to your original question about file size, there are a couple of things that can cause it to grow:

    • When saving:
      • Create PDF compatible file. If you are not placing the AI file in another program, you don't need this option.
      • Include Linked Files (it embeds any linked files)
      • Embed permitted fonts for file preview. If I want to send someone a "proof", I'll save as a PDF files without the AI file embedded (that just makes the PDF bloated too).
    • Embedding placed graphics rather than linking. Now that AI has a Package command, I don't find it as necessary to embed any graphics into the file.

     

    David Creamer: Community Expert (ACI and ACE 1995-2023)
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