File size increase in SW 2

[dogarila]

I noticed that if I open a SW file and then I save it, even when I didn't change anything, the file size increases considerably. Why is that? How can I keep my SW files size minimum?

Andrew

 

[MadMango]

Try download.com and search for a small utility called Unfrag. It works great with all program files, especially SolidWorks. You can expect to see anywhere from a 20-60% decrease in file size (depending on the type of file). "Happy the Hare at morning for she is ignorant to the Hunter's waking thoughts."

 

[dogarila]

Mad Mango,

that was a great tip. I am giving you a star.

Thank you,

Andrew

 

[SBaugh]

If you like that program try this one.

http://www.ecocom.com/eng/index00.htm

I think it works better than Unfrag.

One reason your file grows, is because SW makes what it calls a Shadow file. This shadow is what is used when you view a part from the browser window.

You could also try suppressing all your features to bring File size down considerably. This is mainly used for transferring files between one company to another and DL from a site. NOTE To Suppress or Unsuppress the features quickly. There is a couple of icons that is usually not placed on you feature toolbar when SW is installed. You need to get suppress and unsuppress icons and place them on your toolbars. Then if highlight all the features you can Unsuppress or Suppress them all in one shot using one of those icons.

If you’re using a DT in your parts and you have customized your DT drastically. This to can cause a file to grow. Also it may continue to grow without you knowing it. I have seen a simple part file grow to over 30MB...but it had 70 configs in it to.

Also look at thread559-10335

I hope this helps everyone...
Scott Baugh, CSWP
credence69@REMOVEhotmail.com

http://home.insightbb.com/~scott.baugh/

 

[SnowCrash]

Files will contain the graphic representation of the part as shown on the screen. This may be what is changing each time.
To reduce file size on disk simply do a 'save as'. If you really need to compress the file for email or storage, superimpose a simple brick shape over the part. Think of a wooly mammoth frozen in an ice cube.

Crashj 'no file too big' Johnson

 

[BBJT]

You would think by now SolidWorks would have something like UNFRAG built into the Save function. Please make this one of your enhancement request.

When we use the Unfrag utility it usually will cut the file size in half.

I am entering an BBJT CSWP

 

[dogarila]

I totally agree with you, BBJT.

A

 

[bhorton]

have you noticed that if you save the file with the part or assembly in the graphics window, the file size might be for exanple 5k then if you save it not in the graphics window the file size might be greater say 7k for example...this used to be the opposite in previous releases of SWX. Just my $.02 worth.

happy CTDING!

 

[APPENG]

Actually BBJT they have thought of incorporating it into SWX but people complained that it took too much time to save files and subsequently removed it during beta testing.

Personally I have become accustomed to unfragging, and defragging on a weekly basis. no biggie here

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

 

[BBJT]

It is a biggie here. This is one problem that I have with alot of VARS and software packages. The "well it works here" answer. Try it in the real world. We have users spread out all over the US. We have mulitple servers with muliple installations of SolidWorks. This is freeware which my company frawns upon big time. So for me to distribute it around the US or suggest they download it could bring a whole lot of crap into my lap.

As far as time. It takes around three seconds to unfrag an 11 meg assembly. That is just the asm file not the parts. If this was in the save I have a hard time beleaving that anyone would notice.

APPENG,
Please don't take this as an attack. I do appreciate your feedback.



This should be on the top of SolidWorks list!


BBJT CSWP

 

[dogarila]

I agree with you, BBJT. I think it should by an option in the System Options menu. Check mark to unfrag while saving, uncheck to disable unfragging. That would make everybody happy.

Andrew

 

[APPENG]

Well indeed that could be an option for sure to incorporate it in as an option.

And I Definately understand the horrors of freeware apps on Corporate networks! Most disallow them entirely.

Just remember the more people that hit SolidWorks up with the same enhancement request, the higher they prioritize it. If you want to get this addressed and have it escalated, then get everyone you know to submit the request. (squeaky wheels get the oil)

Regards,
Jon
jgbena@yahoo.com

 

[BBJT]

I agree, this is why I asked for everybody to please make it an enhancement request in my first post. I, myself, have entered it a long time ago.

We are currently looking at writing our own code to unfrag the files as they are being issued. Just an FYI for anybody else that writes code...you can run Unfrag from the command line. The syntax can be found under the help in Unfrag. You can find the help by clicking in the upper left-hand corner if the Unfrag dialog box. BBJT CSWP

 

[llib]

I downloaded that ulitiy, but it only looked for ole files, it left my dxf alone. Is their an unfrag for dxf files?