How do you use compression tools or formats to reduce CAD file size?

1 Zip files

One of the simplest ways to reduce CAD file size is to zip them. Zip files are compressed archives that can store multiple files and folders in a single file. Zip files can reduce the file size by removing redundant data and using algorithms to encode the data more efficiently. You can create zip files using built-in tools in Windows or Mac, or using third-party software like WinZip or 7-Zip. To zip your CAD files, just select them, right-click, and choose the option to compress or send to a compressed folder. To unzip them, just double-click the zip file and extract the contents.

2 CAD formats

Another way to reduce CAD file size is to choose the right CAD format for your purpose. Different CAD formats have different features and capabilities, and some are more suitable for compression than others. For example, some CAD formats are binary, which means they store data in a compact and efficient way, while others are ASCII, which means they store data in a readable and editable way. Binary formats tend to be smaller than ASCII formats, but they may not be compatible with all software or devices. Some common binary CAD formats are DWG, DGN, and STL, while some common ASCII CAD formats are DXF, VRML, and OBJ. To convert your CAD files to a different format, you can use the Save As or Export options in your CAD software, or use online converters like Online-Convert or Convertio.

3 CAD settings

A third way to reduce CAD file size is to adjust the settings and options in your CAD software. Depending on the software you use, you may have various settings that affect the file size, such as resolution, quality, precision, scale, units, layers, blocks, references, and more. By lowering or simplifying some of these settings, you can reduce the amount of data and information that your CAD file contains, and thus make it smaller. For example, you can reduce the resolution or quality of images and textures, use fewer decimal places for coordinates and dimensions, delete unused layers and blocks, purge unnecessary data, and audit and repair errors. To access these settings, you can use the Options, Preferences, or Settings menus in your CAD software, or use commands like PURGE, AUDIT, or CLEAN in AutoCAD.

4 CAD tools

A fourth way to reduce CAD file size is to use specialized CAD tools that are designed to optimize and compress CAD files. These tools can perform various tasks that can help you reduce file size, such as simplifying geometry, removing duplicates, merging entities, reducing curves, and more. Some of these tools are built-in features in your CAD software, while others are add-ons or plug-ins that you can download and install. For example, in AutoCAD, you can use the OVERKILL command to delete overlapping or duplicate objects, the WEED command to reduce the number of vertices in polylines, or the DXFOUT command to save a smaller version of your file. Some examples of external CAD tools are CAD Optimizer, CAD Compressor, and CAD Exchanger.

5 Cloud storage

A fifth way to reduce CAD file size is to use cloud storage services that can store and sync your CAD files online. Cloud storage can help you save space on your local drive, access your files from anywhere, and share them with others easily. Some cloud storage services also offer compression and encryption features that can further reduce file size and enhance security. Some examples of cloud storage services that support CAD files are Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and Autodesk 360. To use cloud storage, you need to create an account, upload your CAD files, and download them when you need them. You can also use apps or extensions that can integrate your cloud storage with your CAD software.

6 File splitting

A sixth way to reduce CAD file size is to split your CAD file into smaller parts. File splitting can help you manage large and complex CAD files, especially when you need to share them via email or other platforms that have file size limits. File splitting can also make it easier to edit and update your CAD files, as you can work on specific parts without affecting the whole file. To split your CAD file, you can use the Split or Divide options in your CAD software, or use third-party software like Splitter or HJ-Split. To join your split files, you can use the Join or Merge options in your CAD software, or use the same third-party software that you used to split them.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?