File gets too big

[Andi_P]

Hello, 

I work with Affinity Publisher 1.10.4.

My problem is that my files are getting bigger and bigger after each save. For example, as you can see in picture 2, the file was only 3.98MB on 9.12. and now it is already 4.26GB. In the meantime, however, only texts or pictures have been added or changed. The pictures are of course all linked. On 16.12. the file was 3.63GB and on 17.12. it was already 4.26GB, although I only deleted one letter from a text and added it again. So theoretically I haven't changed anything and yet the file has grown by 630MB. 

It is also strange that when another person opens the file and saves it again, the file becomes smaller again (as can be seen in picture 1).

I have already reset the programme to the default settings and reinstalled it, but the problem still hasn't gone away. In the settings, "Save History with Document" is deactivated.

Thank you very much for your help.

Edited December 17, 2021 by Andi_P

[lacerto]

These are really good questions. In the realm of Adobe apps "saving as" trims off extra fat no longer needed and reorganizes the document, but I do not think that this works at all in Affinity apps (only perhaps when removing parts that are physically removed, like embedded images, etc.). There really does not seem to be a way to internally reorganize and optimize the document. Your notion on effect of another user accessing the document is interestring, but I cannot understand (yet explain) why this happens. 

[walt.farrell]

Just now, Lagarto said:

These are really good questions. In the realm of Adobe apps "saving as" trims off extra fat no longer needed and reorganizes the document, but I I do not think that this works at all in Affinity apps (only perhaps when removing parts that are physically removed, like embedded images, etc.). There really does not seem to be a way to internally reorganize and optimize the document. Your notion on effect on another user accessing the document is interestring, but I cannot understand (yet explain) why this happens. 

Using Save As and a new file name will remove wasted space in a document, but only (if I remember correctly) if there is at least 30% waste space in the document.

[Andi_P]

10 minutes ago, walt.farrell said:

Using Save As and a new file name will remove wasted space in a document, but only (if I remember correctly) if there is at least 30% waste space in the document.

I have already tried to save the file with "Save as". Unfortunately, this did not lead to the desired result. 
 

[R C-R]

2 hours ago, walt.farrell said:

Using Save As and a new file name will remove wasted space in a document, but only (if I remember correctly) if there is at least 30% waste space in the document.

I think -- but am far from sure -- that 30% is the trigger point for reorganizing the file, optimizing its size by consolidating all the serialized changes added to the end of the file into one unserialized piece, which (in theory) happens automatically on the next save (notSave As) once that point is reached.

Supposedly, Save As always does this, even when there is little or no serialized stuff at the end of the file, but in my experience this is hit or miss.

[Callum]

Hi Andi_P,

If possible could you provide one of the large files so I can see weather or not the contents of the file are proportional to the file size etc? If you would rather not post it publicly let me know and I will provide secure link.

Thanks
C