File size increased with linked graphics

[Ann Pillman]

I have a 25 page document -- about 800 KB -- that had about 30 graphics
pasted in. I decided to link the graphics (Insert Object and choose LINK, not
embed) -- thinking that would reduce file size. The file grew to over 10 MB.
I checked all of the "tips for reducing file size" that have been posted as
responses lately (such as turn off fast save). None of them were issues. The
other interesting thing is converting to PDF using PDFMaker created an
approx. 500 KB pdf from the 10+ MB Word file.

This is Word 2003, part of Office XP.

Any ideas? It's almost as if the Insert Object dialog box is embedding all
my graphics despite the fact that I have the Link box checked.
Thanks,
--Ann

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

Recent versions of Word compress embedded pictures, which helps to keep file
size down, but a document with linked graphics will still be smaller
provided you insert them correctly. By using Insert | Object instead of
Insert | Picture, you created on OLE object, which dramatically increases
file size and doesn't gain you anything except the ability to edit the
graphic within Word using the application that created it (which I doubt is
an issue in this case). The correct way to insert linked graphics is to use
Insert | Picture | From File, choosing "Link to File" instead of "Insert" in
the bottom right corner.

 

[Ann Pillman]

Thank you! I did not realize that the link option existed on the Insert File
dialog -- had always done this from Insert Obejct before.
Much appreciated.
--Ann