How to Reduce a Size in AutoCAD?

Techniques to Reduce File Size in AutoCAD

Managing file sizes in AutoCAD is essential for optimizing performance and ensuring smooth operation, especially when working with complex drawings or when sharing files. This guide explains various methods to effectively reduce the size of your DWG files in AutoCAD.

1. Detach Unused Xrefs

To start, it’s important to remove any unnecessary external references (Xrefs) that may be bloating the file size. Follow these steps:

• Open the drawing in AutoCAD.
• Execute the XREF command to open the External References palette.
• Identify any Xrefs that are not required for your current work.
• Select those Xrefs and click on the “Detach” option to remove them from the drawing.

2. Simplify Objects with Overkill

The OVERKILL command is a powerful tool for cleaning up your drawing by merging overlapping entities and deleting duplicates. Here’s how to use it:

• Select all objects within your drawing window.
• Type OVERKILL in the command line and press Enter.
• Follow the prompts to combine duplicate geometry and simplify your drawing elements.

3. Purge Redundant Data

AutoCAD has a built-in purge function that can clear out unused elements such as layers, blocks, and registered applications. Use these commands to clean your file:

• Enter -PURGE and hit Enter. When prompted, choose “Regapps” to delete any registered applications that are not necessary.
• After that, use the PURGE command and select all options available to remove unwanted data comprehensively.

4. Adjust Point Size

If your drawing contains point objects that are unnecessarily large, you can adjust their size, contributing to a smaller file size:

• Open the command prompt and type DDPTYPE.
• In the Point Style dialog box, select a different point type or modify the Point Size setting.
• Click OK to save changes and then type REGEN in the command line to update the display.

5. Optimize Plot Settings for DWF Files

If you need to generate DWF files, take care of your plot settings:

• Access the custom dialog in the plot setup.
• Within the DWF6 ePlot Properties dialog, navigate to Additional Output Settings.
• Adjust the file compression options to a suitable level before saving the DWF file.

6. Analyze and Reduce Embedded Images

High DPI settings for embedded images can significantly increase file size. When creating a DWF file:

• Ensure you use lower DPI settings for any images embedded in the file.
• Monitor and adjust the image quality settings as needed to keep file sizes manageable.

FAQ

What causes the large size of my AutoCAD files?
Common reasons include excessive use of Xrefs, many duplicated objects, or high-resolution images. These factors can slow down performance and lead to difficulties sharing files.

What are the critical file sizes to monitor in AutoCAD?
Typically, files over 50MB can cause performance issues, while files around 88MB are known to lead to significant errors and potential data loss during operations.

How often should I clean up my AutoCAD files?
Regularly cleaning files is recommended, especially after significant edits or before sharing drawings. Implementing these practices after major adjustments will help maintain file efficiency.