Large File Sizes in Illustrator 2020

[jonathanb56425140]

I just updated to Ai 2020 and I'm running the latest OS (Catalina 10.15.4). I noticed all my PDF and Ai files are abnormally large. I use the Blend mode and Glow effects, not a lot per document, but I typically use them in my drawings. I made a test document and applied the blend mode on one object using the Smooth Color option. I saved the document as a PDF and Ai and they're both 36MB (see attached). Before I updated to CC 2020 I used linked images, multiple blend modes and effects and be under well under 10MB. What's the deal?

[Srishti Bali]

Hi Jonathan,

Thank you so much for reaching out and sharing the file. I will get this checked by our Product team. In the meantime could you please try the steps shared here: https://helpx.adobe.com/in/illustrator/kb/optimize-native-pdf-file-sizes.html

Let us know if that helps!

Regards,

Srishti

[jonathanb56425140]

I selected Reduce File Size in the PDF saving dialog. That helped, but I've never had to do that before. As long as it doesn't affect editing capabilities when I reopen the file in Ai then we should be good.