Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 9/10/2009

Question
QUESTION: I create & save many .ai file (CS2-PC-Win XP) and find the .ai file I email on a 2" x 2" image (black & white) is over 1500k, so I am doing something wrong. I need to preserve the fonts used in the file, since the recipient doesnt always have the fonts. Whats the proper technique to save the smallest .ai file once I've placed the text.. Thanks!

ANSWER: Hi Ari,

I would outline your fonts so they are no embedded in the file. AI does not give you any options for compression, but PDFs do. You could try saving out as a PDF instead of AI. Also, the file size is pretty large for an AI, do you have embedded images in the file? This would increase the file significantly.

Kevin


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Not sure. I'll give a for instance: I want to write "Hi Dad" in old english font. I open ai, create a new file, and size the image 2" x 2". Using the text tool, I choose old english, type it out, & size it to fill the area. I then select all, & under text menu, I choose "create outline" Then  i try to save as an .ai and wham.. massive file..

Answer
1500 k is not really that huge in the larger scheme of things. However, I reiterate original answer - save this as a PDF. Even if you save this using the Adobe Illustrator Default settings in the PDF dialog box, it is only 200k and you can retain editability for AI.

Kevin