Problem with the size of the document - linked files

[Ros. Riha]

I use the Publisher to create assembly documents - bunch of raster sketches, originally created as PSD files, then opened and converted to the native format in the Affinity Photo. A sketch typically consists of one/two layer(s) with linework and one layer with the white mask underlying the linework. Sample sketch could be downloaded here. It is grayscale, some 6000x4000 pixels, some 60+ MB. 

Originally, I just dragged all files into the Publisher document. I ended up with the document od some +1 GB of size. Then I found I can change documents to "linked" so I proceeded, expecting dramatic decrease in the file size. I was wrong. The document still is +1 GB. You can download it here.

How comes the document is still that big despite fact all its files are linked to it and the document itself contains literally NO DATA except links?

The above workflow is the same I use with inDesign and Photoshop - the size of the similar IDD file is less than 10 MB.

 

[Pauls]

Linked only means we watch for changes at the moment

[MickRose]

A lot of us have been confused by the terminology because we are used to the language of ID & Quark. Maybe  the word Linked should be replaced by Updateable and the word Linked only brought in when an image isn't actually stored in the document.

[kenmcd]

Or "Watched"

[Ros. Riha]

Thanks for quick answers. 

What is the reason for this functionality? Is it because planned exchangeability of files with iOS app?

Otherwise it does not make sense to me: as there is always user input needed (one has to hit update manually), I do not see the reason why not all files are linked as default.

[walt.farrell]

15 minutes ago, Ros. Riha said:

one has to hit update manually),

You can set your Preferences to update linked files automatically.