External References vs. Underlays

[Print_Master]

I am working on making a Dwg file size smaller. Keep locking up the computer. I was wondering what would be better to use to help keeping the file size small? Thanks.

[bill_borec]

I am a fan of the XREF.
Other things you can do to shrink a DWG file size is to run purge and/or audit. Purge will remove un-used layers/blocks/etc.
How big of a file are we talking, here? What kind of computer specs do you have to work with?

[Denimoth]

Sounds like you have insufficient ram in your computer.

From my understanding, Xref's and Underlays behave the same way in AutoCAD. Both are seperate drawings (or other file types) that are linked to your AutoCAD drawing file. It does help keep your main drawing file small. However, AutoCAD still loads all the information stored in your Xref or Underlay when you open your drawing file. This can cause your ram to get all used up, or slow down your processor as AutoCAD loads everything up. Consider keeping your Xref or Underlay turned off if you don't really need them.

Another helpfull tip to keep file sizes smaller is to use blocks as often as possible where you have multiple identical objects/parts/components/symbols/etc... And as Bill_borec mentioned, run purge on a regular basis.

Consider splitting up your large file into several smaller sizes. For example, if you're doing architectural drawings, have one file contain the floor plans, a second file for your details, a third for your elevations, etc... I've had to do this on several occasions.

How much ram does your computer have? Does your DWG file have 3D solid models in it?

At what point in your drawing does your computer lock up? Is it when working in model space or paper space? Sometimes the number of viewports in one layout tab can cause your computer to lockup if you have insufficient ram.

[Dadgad]

Set your ISAVEPERCENT to 0, or at least a smaller value than the default 50.
With ISAVE PERCENT set to 50 your drawing file could be bloated by as much as 50% of the clean size.
Meaning that your drawing COULD POTENTIALLY be reduced by as much as 1/3 of the current size by this simple step.
The ' -PURGE ' (include the hyphen when you enter it at the commandline) will do a more comprehensive purge than the regular PURGE command.

[RobDraw]

I am working on making a Dwg file size smaller. Keep locking up the computer. I was wondering what would be better to use to help keeping the file size small? Thanks.

Does the file reference other files?

[Print_Master]

@denimoth it lags when I scroll in and out, but locks up when change from model to layout and layout to model space. Also takes a while for to reconize my commands.

[Print_Master]

I have listed some information based off of what all you have wrote back. I also have taken everything in to count.
Thank you guys for all of your help!

@bill_borec I have been using purge on a regular basis, and I am currently cleaning up all the unwanted layers.

@bill_borec & @Denimoth Computer Details: Windows XP Professional Intel Core i5 @2.50GHz 2.49Ghz, 2.94GB of RAM

@Denimoth I have already made everything a block in all the dwg, and do have it devided up into catagories like you stated.

@Dadgad I just put it to 0 for the ISAVEPERCENT.

@RobDraw I do reference other files as well.

I will keep you posted on if all the inputs that you have given me have worked.
Thanks.

[RobDraw]

The problem is more than likely in one of the XREF'd files. Even just one attribute that is not a part of a block can cause what you are experiencing. Make sure your XREFs are cleaned up. The fastest/easiest way to do this is to WBLOCK just what you need from them.

[Dadgad]

@denimoth it lags when I scroll in and out, but locks up when change from model to layout and layout to model space. Also takes a while for to reconize my commands.

Are you REGENERATING WHEN SWITCHING LAYOUTS, as shown in OPTIONS in the image?