Expert: Kevin Stohlmeyer - 9/22/2010

Question
QUESTION: We are embedding AI (using Illustrator CS3 to create) files into excel spreadsheets.  Even if I am able to reduce the native AI file, the excel file with the embedded file quadruples in size.  Any ideas?  I am not an AI expert so keep it simple for me please

ANSWER: Hi Dana,

First, you need to understand, when you embed any image in Excel, it will greatly increase the size of the file. It's just the nature of file types. XLS files are normally very small since they are just numbers and spreadsheets normally. Once you include images, expect it to grow in size.

Next, you should not be embedding native AI files in excel. I would use File>Export to create a hi-res jpg file that will be smaller, but again it will be much larger than an XLS file.


Thanks

Kevin

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

QUESTION: Hi Kevin,  
Thanks for the response.  We are embedding because we want to be able to edit the file without going back to native ai file.  
I assume the answer remains the same, no matter what I do to minimize, if I embed I am going to get a significantly larger file.  
Any other ideas on executing this vs embedding with the ability to edit in excel?

Answer
Hi Dana,

Not sure how you are able to edit an Illustrator file in Excel without going back to the native AI file somehow...

Yes, the issue remains the same - embed an image and you will enlarge the file size.  There is no other way to embed without increasing the file size. Exactly how large of a file size are we talking?

Kevin