Why would a word file increase dramatically in size?

[lyndonjack]

When saving a Word 2003 manuscript document, the file size increased
dramatically from less than one MB to 2.5 MBs. No pictures were added, just
normal editing. Does anyone have a clue?

 

[Suzanne S. Barnhill]

There are a number of reasons for excessive file size, including:

1. Fast Saves: Disable this at on the Save tab of Tools | Options.

2. Preview Picture: Clear the check box on the Summary tab of File |
Properties.

3. Versions (File | Versions): Make sure "Automatically save version on
close" is not turned on.

4. Revisions (Tools | Track Changes):
Highlight Changes: Make sure "Highlight changes on screen" is turned on
(or that "Final Showing Markup" is displayed).
Accept/Reject Changes: If "Accept All" or "Reject All" is available then
revisions are present; accept or reject all changes, then turn Track Changes
off.

5. Embedded True Type fonts (Tools | Options | Save); embedding fonts should
be avoided wherever possible.

6. Embedded graphics: When feasible, it is preferable to link the graphics.
That is, when you insert the graphic, click the arrow beside Insert in the
Picture dialog and choose Link to File rather than Insert or Insert and
Link.

7. Embedded objects: These are even worse than ordinary graphics saved with
the document. If you see an { EMBED } code, the graphic is an OLE object.
Unless you need to be able to edit the object in place, unlink it using
Ctrl+Shift+F9.

8. File format: Make sure you are saving as a Word document; in some cases
..rtf (Rich Text Format) files are significantly larger than .doc files.

9. Document corruption: See
http://www.mvps.org/word/FAQs/AppErrors/CorruptDoc.htm.

I believe maybe smart tags have also been implicated.

 

[Alan Mitchell]

Lyndon

I hit exactly the same problem, with a Word document that jumped from 1.3 Mb
to 5.4 Mb. I have no idea what caused it, but found a solution.

Save the document out as a .rtf version. The size dramtically increases
again (mine went to over 50 Mb), then save the .rtf as a Word document. The
size reverts to what it was before the document "exploded". (Mine returned to
1.3 Mb).

I know that isn't a particularly technical solution and offers no
explanation as to why the problem ocurred, but if you're desperate (as I was)
at least it lets you carry on working.

Best wishes