answers to my file size problem in illustrator 10

[chris_wraith@adobeforums.com]

am drawing small objects in illustrator that involve small paths and many points/ anchors. the problem i am getting is that as i copy and paste to create more and more of the small objects the time between each action takes longer and longer. i have tried to create outlines of paths and remove unwanted points in pathfinder. i have converted to RGB as i heard that it takes up less memory. my file sizes are about 60mb and the document size 62x62cm. does anybody recommend any solutions, there must be an answer. i am using illustrator 10 on mac os 10.3.1. this message was posted a while ago but there haven't been any answers? surely there is someone who knows how to reduce file sizes?

[Wade_Zimmerman@adobeforums.com]

Without knowing the real nature of the art it is hard to say perhaps AI CS but I don't think you will get smaller files though you will get better performance.

[Gary_Newman@adobeforums.com]

If the copies of the paths are identical, convert one of them into a Symbol, then delete the original path and use as many copies of the Symbol as you like - it will only count as one copy in the file size.

[hitpawz@adobeforums.com]

Creating outlines of the paths is only going to increase the size. Symbols are the way to go unless you want to change each object to a very specific shape. If not, spray em out and use the different symbol tool modifiers to sort of sculpt the overall shape. Again, don't know the nature of the art.

[chris_wraith@adobeforums.com]

have converted all of my shapes into symbols and it works alot better for the type of work that i am doing. however there still are delays in reading the objects after changes are made. this is to be expected thanks for advice.

[Joshua_Bierman@adobeforums.com]

I HAVE THE ANSWER!
when you save the file for the first time (or use the save as dialouge) there is an item in both 10 and CS that says 'make PDF compatable file'
MAKE CERTAIN THAT IS NOT CHECKED
it inflates the file size FIVE times.

be forwarned that by unchecking that box, your files will no longer be readable in adobe acrobat reader. for most of us this is not great loss as we have not used acrobat for illustrator files but for some it is a great loss.

try this and get back to us with your results, milage may vary.

[chris_wraith@adobeforums.com]

cheers i will give it a go

chris