Big files

[tomvanzoeren]

Is there a way to handle large Publisher files in order to avoid their
becoming unwieldy? I make documents with photos, and the files
typically get into the 200 meg range. My computer takes 20 - 30
seconds to save, etc.. I am using photos of an appropriate size
range, not overly large. I would break my projects up into smaller
sections if I could later merge them together, but I understand that
the only way to do that would be to copy and paste the contents of
each page individually. Any tips?

Thanks
Tom

 

[Mary Sauer]

What version Publisher?
If you are using .eps images you might think about changing formats
Earlier versions of Publisher cannot import an EPS file that is larger than 16
megabytes (MB). This limit has been removed for Publisher 2003, but large EPS
files can take a long time to import.

Might increase your swap file (virtual memory)

Did you create the file in Publisher 2000 or below?
Large Publisher 2000 publication opens slowly in later versions of Publisher
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/289010/en-us

If you have a mapped network drive it could slow things down.
Right click My Computer, click Disconnect Network Drive. Repeat for all the
drives you may have.

 

[DavidF]

In addition to Mary's always sage advice, you might try the Compress
graphics feature in Pub 2003 and 2007. It will resample and compress the
images and leave you with an overall smaller Publisher file size. Test on a
backup copy and be sure to choose the appropriate compression.

DavidF

 

[Lannee]

I've followed directions to add the "Compress Graphics" icon to the Picture
toolbar, but it does not appear. I have downloaded Service Pack 2. Working
with Microsoft Office Publisher 2003 (11.5525.5606).
My publication is 27MB and I would like to reduce its size. I can only
imagine it is the graphics taking up so much space.

 

[John Inzer]

I've followed directions to add the "Compress Graphics" icon to the
Picture toolbar, but it does not appear. I have downloaded Service
Pack 2. Working with Microsoft Office Publisher 2003 (11.5525.5606).
My publication is 27MB and I would like to reduce its size. I can only
imagine it is the graphics taking up so much space.

==================================
Would converting the file to a .pdf be a possible
alternative? Maybe you could download and install
the following freebie and give it a try.

PrimoPDF
http://www.primopdf.com/
(if you only have a few files to convert...you can even
do it online)

With your new program installed...open your project
in Publisher and go to...File / Print.

On your Print screen...open the drop window and
select PrimoPDF as your printer.

Click...OK...now you will see the PrimoPDF screen
and you can browse to a save folder.

When you click...OK..your .pdf file will be created
in your save folder.

The resulting .pdf file can be viewed on any computer
that has the free Adobe Reader installed.

--

John Inzer
Digital Media MVP

Notice
This is not tech support
I am a volunteer

Solutions that work for
me may not work for you

Proceed at your own risk

 

[Lannee]

Thanks for the suggestion, John. Eventually I will save it as a pdf, but
while working on it (lengthy newsletter I am in process of editing) I would
like to keep it at a size that is manageable to email to others.
I just can't figure out why I can't get the "Compress Graphics" feature to
reveal itself.

 

[John G]

I doubt you have actually INSTALLED SP 2 or your Pub would be some number
higher than (11.5525.5606) and would be followed by SPx 1 or 2 or 3.
When you have installed even SP 1 the picture toolbar may still not show a
COMPRESS button and you will have to select a picture to see the Picture
toolbar then click the arrow next to the X in the top row and ADD Buttons.

John G.

 

[Mary Sauer]

Wouldn't hurt to use the Design Checker. There are times deleted pages/deleted
images are still around.

 

[DavidF]

Reference: Compress graphics file sizes to create smaller Publisher Web
pages:
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/publisher/HA011266301033.aspx

Read the section: Reset the Picture toolbar to add the Compress Pictures
button.

But....John's suggestion about downloading and using Primopdf to make a copy
of the Publisher file may be your best choice unless those people who you
email the document need to edit the newsletter. It gives you the option of
producing the PDF file for "Screen", "Print" or "Custom", and the Screen
version is relatively low resolution, and thus small file size...certainly
much smaller than you will ever be able to reduce a native Publisher file.

DavidF