Illustrator CS2 File Sizes

[Craig B]

What the ...? I just loaded CS2 on my Mac (10.3.9) ... I opened a 288 kb Illustrator file (with 24 placed photos ... don't ask). When I opened it I had to update legacy text, I made a text change, and saved it and now my .ai file is 55.3 Mb.

I double checked my photos and they're not embedded, they're still showing up as links. But this is a HUGE bug/screw up with the new Illustrator.

Does anyone know why it's doing this or have a solution?

[Craig B]

Well, I got the answer on Adobe's forums. Apparently the "make file PDF compatible" in CS2 is the problem when saving the native .ai file. Unchecking that box fixes it.

[Broacher]

Yup. Sorry I didn't get to this earlier. The PDF compatability forces total image embedment. Avoid unless necessary.