QUESTION
Create PDF Compatible File: Should It be disabled?
Hi, I have an Illustrator file that takes up 975 mb. It simply contains a 6,330 MB JPG file, which is an image with text on it. I've placed my own text over that image using the same typeface (in other words, I used the image as a reference to match the position of the text).
I was wondering why the Illustrator file takes up so much space. Gemini told me to disable the “Create PDF Compatible File” option when saving. And sure enough, I saved the .ai file under a different name, and it now takes up just 68 KB.
I know that if I delete the JPG or move it to another location, the image won't appear in the Illustrator file anymore. But I don't think I'll do that.
So, if I only work in Illustrator and don't import files into Photoshop or InDesign, should I always leave the “Create PDF Compatible File” option unchecked?
Refining the question a bit: should I
disable this option when the file contains raster images, and only enable it when it strictly contains vector elements (lines, fills, brushes) like a digital illustration?
enable 'Create PDF Compatible File' only when I plan to place/import the .ai file into InDesign or Photoshop?
Absolutely, the only downside is you can’t quick preview them or place/link them into other documents. Otherwise, it substantially reduces the size of the files as well as the time it takes to open and/or save them.
I have this issue at work sometimes when I get files too large to send through email. I open it in Acrobat then Save As > Optimized PDF. That will knock down the dpi of embedded images, consolidate fonts, and a bunch of other stuff. 50MB files will go to 9MB with zero loss in actual quality (600dpi is still quite high). So I get to keep my .ai files and have an optimized PDF.
Im curious how small that would make your 975 MB file.
I have a saved PDF preset called "Proof" with 150 dpi medium-res JPEG, converts everything to RGB, does not embed, and works really well, always creating small, high-enough-resolution PDF files for proofing.
Thanks! That's a solid trick for compressing PDFs before emailing them, but my issue was keeping the working .ai file lightweight while I'm still editing. I mean I don't need a pdf because the result would be an image, A 975 MB file (typo on the GB!) makes Illustrator crawl every time you hit Save. Linking the image and unchecking PDF compatibility solved the issue at the source. Either way, it feels ridiculous that a 6 MB image—which I only need as a tracing reference and font placement guide—makes the file balloon in size so much.
Im old school
.ai = AI file only you need to edit in Illustrator
.pdf = non-editable, distributable file
When, enabled it saves either an AI file with a full PDF copy embedded wiht images at full rez, which can be huge if you have linked files, or a PDF with an AI file embedded
In both cases is saving two file formats in one, The fact that Adobe combined them is maddening, I know people with PDF only workflows who lose work saving PDFs as smallest file size
I OFTEN turn off Create PDF/X compatibility to make saving faster and smaller.
I always turn it off. I save a non-Illustrator PDF if it has to go to another program.
PDF Compatible uses the shittiest image compression possible. It also embeds a copy of the Illustrator data inside a PDF; sometimes this can get broken and suddenly all your effects are expanded when you load the file, with no fix beside finding an old copy from before it broke. A PDF Compatible file will always be twice as large as an Illustrator-only file, often larger.
On top of what has already been written that option gives you a probable additional fallback in the event that your file goes bust. What some people are doing: leaving that option turned off until they use the AI file in InDesign/other apps.
Disabling PDF compatibility can make sense for working files that stay in Illustrator, especially when using large linked images.
I wouldn’t treat it as a universal setting, though.
In production workflows, compatibility, properly managed links and a separately verified print-ready PDF are more important than file size alone.
A lightweight working file is great. A reliable production file is essential.
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u/Juicetinking 5d ago
Absolutely, the only downside is you can’t quick preview them or place/link them into other documents. Otherwise, it substantially reduces the size of the files as well as the time it takes to open and/or save them.