Import PDF too large.

[Anthony Reilly]

Using VW210 I've been importing many PDF files from architects and creating viewports or sheet layers. I've had no problem working with these files.

Using 2011 when I import a 3 meg file I can end up with a 60-70 meg Vectorworks file. My computer can't handle the file size [or some feature of the import I don't understand] and almost locks up.

I had to go back to working with these files in 2010. I've looked in the knowledgebase and can't find a solution.

A little help please?

Thanks much,

Anthony

[Benson Shaw]

I just tested with a 4.9mb pdf - BW scan of a single page paper document:

Drag & drop into new VW2011 file and save.

VW file size = 5.2mb

Add a second blank layer and import same pdf file and save.

VW file (both layers, incl 2 versions of the pdf) = 10.1mb

Delete both pdfs & save

VW file (2 blank layers and some undo history) = 89kb

Maybe there is some intensive info in your pdf? Vector layers? text styles? Fonts?

Try import or drop into a new blank VW file and check the size.

Also in the new file, unpack the pdf

Convert to group (Cmd K)

Ungroup (Cmd U)

Usually you find 3 entities: Bitmap, blank sheet, group of vectors.

Maybe one of these is excessive.

Side note: In 2011, I am finding that the bitmap component and any text evaporate when I enter the group. Completely gone when I exit the group.

-B

[bcd]

I too have had problems importing an ACAD pdf output from PaperSpace. VW treated it like it was 1GB and went into an unholy spin every time I tried to display that Design Layer but especially the Sheet Layer with where I had placed it via a SLVP.

Perhaps it is trying to re-size it every time it gets the chance. We ended up deleting it to 'resolve' the problem.

[Jim Smith]

I even find this with some consultant's PDF's; the file says it is only say 1mgb but just to open & print takes FOREVER. Our IT consultant says it has something to do with imbedded information in the PDF file. So what I do is to open the file in Acrobat, & reduce the file size & then import into VW & this seems to help.

[Anthony Reilly]

Yes,

I am working with ACAD files that have been exported to PDF format. They're the same files that I've been working with in 2010. I don't have access to the details of the exports.

[michaelk]

I've seen strange behavior with some acad pdfs also. When this happens there is usually an extra group. Instead of the usual 3 objects: bit map, rectangle, and vectors - the vectors are grouped in with another rectangle.

What happens if you import the pdf into 2010, close the vwx file and open it in 2011?

mk

[Jim Smith]

One other solution we found was to have the consultant send a PDF of their work WITHOUT their Logo, & forward the LOGO as a Tiff or Jpg & add the LOGO ourselves. This made the files considerably smaller. When I then produced a PDF from these 2 files the resulting PDF was smaller by a large factor.

[Anthony Reilly]

Learning to ungroup PDF imports has opened up an entirely new world for me.

Thank you!