Why are Illustrator CS files so huge?

[angelia@adobeforums.com]

Just curious.

I have created a small really simple flyer that is purely vector art, no filters, effects or embedded images and the file size is nearly 2 1/2 megs!
I have converted my type to outlines, but there isn't very much of it.

Is there some sort of reason for this? Is there some sort of preference I have accidentally turned off or on?

Cheers, Angela.

[Michael_Woods@adobeforums.com]

I'm having the same problem. I created a logo in Illustrator CS. The the file size was 1.3 megs. Like you, it is a simple vector drawing and the type was converted to curves.

In Freehand, the same logo's file size is 144K. If I save as an EPS file it is even smaller. So, what's up Illustrater gurus?

[LenHewitt@adobeforums.com]

Angela.

If you save with Create Compatible PDF File selected, you are effectively
saving two versions in the same file, which will increase the size
considerably.

Additionally. deleting all unused swatches, brushes, styles and objects
before saving will reduce file size.

[Igor_Freiberger@adobeforums.com]

It seems to be a bug with ILCS when saving CMYK files with gradients: file size gets increased if compared with RGB files. Strangely, for me the "Create Compatible PDF" produces smaller files.

Anyway, even ILCS AI and EPS RGB files are bigger than IL10 or earlier version files. And also much bigger than CDR or FH files. Hope a 11.01 update will bring some good new on this.

[Michael_Woods@adobeforums.com]

This time I drew a rectange 1.3" x .5" on an 8.5" x 11" art board and saved it. The file size was an unbelievable 1.633 megs. I did not have PDF checked when saved. Althouth that should not create that enormous file size either. I'm using an RGB color space.

I have to be doing something wrong. The same rectangle in Freehand creates a tiny file size.

I'm using Windows XP, Illustrator CS.

[Michael_Woods@adobeforums.com]

OK. This time I simply creted an 8" x 11.5" art board and saved it without drawing anything. The file size is 1.621 megs. I give up. Hope someone can shed some light on this?

[LenHewitt@adobeforums.com]

Michael,

Save the 'empty' file size approx 1.003 Mb
Delete all swatches, brushes etc - size approx 654Kb. Swatches etc account
for 349 Kb
Save without embedded profile - size approx 109 Kb. ICC Profile accounts for
545 Kb

Illustrator 10 only saved ICC profile when saving as EPS

[Lip_Skidder@adobeforums.com]

A neat little trick I have learned is to hide all the layers when saving. The file drops considerably and I can even email the file with no problems. Just let the other person know to turn the layers back on.

[Michael_Woods@adobeforums.com]

Thank you Len Hewitt, Lip Skidder and Igor Freiberger for the information you provided.