topic Re: Reduce File Size in AutoCAD Forum

Reduce File Size

casey.oconnorKFGAQ — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:17:41 GMT

We have been working with a very large STP file in our Plant 3D model, slowly. Drawing production is at a standstill due to this piece of equipment. I have tried every trick on the internet.

purge

-purge, r, no

-purge, r, a

overkill

wblock

block

explode

saving down to 2013

saving up to 2018

slicing the equipment shape into smaller segments

I have never been able to reduce the size below 35,000 KB.

While in the purge GUI, I found that shape I need (which looks to be the whole equipment) claims to be 3570.306 KB. How is this possible? How do I retrieve this smaller, imbedded block? I've tried inserting just that block and is still comes out to be 40,000 KB.

PLEASE HELP!

Re: Reduce File Size

Alfred.NESWADBA — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:25:55 GMT

Hi,

if you show the dwg-file we might find the nested block/block-definition.
Without the dwg-file how should we be able to find it?

- alfred -

Re: Reduce File Size

casey.oconnorKFGAQ — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:30:08 GMT

Alfred,

I don't think our client would be too keen on releasing a detailed equipment model to the internet. I', sure my employer would have more than a wrist slap for doing so.

Having said that, I'm interested to know your workflow in determining "finding the nested block/definition."

Thanks for your help.

Re: Reduce File Size

Alfred.NESWADBA — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 20:42:24 GMT

Hi,

>> I'm interested to know your workflow in determining "finding

>> the nested block/definition."

Writing a small tool to find the block-in-block referencing.

- alfred -

Re: Reduce File Size

pendean — Fri, 12 Mar 2021 22:44:10 GMT

>>>...How do I retrieve this smaller, imbedded block?...<<<
Start INSERT command (or CLASSICINSERT in modern versions) to place a copy of the block "somewhere else" then BEDIT it to either simplify to remove much of its content). Now you can ERASE your extra copy of it.

HTH

Re: Reduce File Size

GrantsPirate — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 19:44:20 GMT

If you have access to Inventor maybe reduce the shrinkwrap size following these suggestions.

https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/inventor/troubleshooting/caas/sfdcarticles/sfdcarticles/Shrinkwrap-reduces-the-file-size-in-Inventor.html

Re: Reduce File Size

Anonymous — Mon, 15 Mar 2021 16:51:48 GMT

I avoid using detailed design models in AutoCAD products, whether it's Plant3D, CADWorx, or AutoPLANT. There's far more detail there than is necessary to get the job done, which results in massive file sizes.

There is little to be done to reduce the file size when dealing with highly detailed imported models; instead, if you need to flatten or otherwise include the objects in generated drawings, spend 15-30 minutes with some boxes and cylinders to make a simplified generic (and very lightweight) version. If you are only using the model to reference nozzle locations, door swings, and other physical positions then use Navisworks Simulate or Manage to publish an NWD and reference that inside AutoCAD.