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Ramon_Bohne
Ramon_Bohne14-Alexandrite
14-Alexandrite
Jan 28, 2026 2:07 PM UTC
Solved

Creo Illustrate / File size of empty file is 83MB

Hi all,

can someone explain to me why an empty Creo Illustrate file is so large?

 

I mean, I've always wondered why the files are so large. But I've only just noticed that even my empty CI files (i.e. without a pvz file) are 83 MB in size.


That's about the same size as my own ‘standard’ file (that has 83MB) . But of course, my entire symbol library is included in that standard.


But it wouldn't make any sense to store the entire symbol library in every CI file!?


Does anyone know what's going on here?

 

Best regards,

Ramon Bohne

(Siemens-Energy)

    Ramon_Bohne
    Ramon_BohneAnswer
    14-Alexandrite
    Oct 21, 2026 10:30 AM UTC

    Thanks for the replies.

    To reduce the file size of all Creo Illustrate files, I've changed the entire procedure.
    I deleted most of the largest custom 3D symbols from the symbol library.

    Instead, I created a tool library and an arrow library in Creo Parametric.

    And for each project, I now create a separate Creo Parametric set containing all the tools and arrows I need.

    From there, I export the PVZ files and also link them into the Creo Illustrate files. This also gives me a fair amount of flexibility in case tools or arrows ever change or new ones are added.

    And yes, you have to include exactly as many tools and arrows in the Creo Parametric assembly as you want to show in a single image. But so far, this has worked very well.

    Best regards

    Ramon Bohne

    (Siemens Energy)

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    4 replies

    Catalina
    CatalinaCommunity Manager
    Community Moderator
    Feb 4, 2026 2:45 PM UTC

    Hi @Ramon_Bohne 

    Thank you for your question. 

    Your post appears well documented but has not yet received any response. I am replying to raise awareness. Hopefully, another community member will be able to help.

    Also, feel free to add any additional information you think might be relevant. It sometimes helps to have screenshots to better understand what you are trying to do.

     

    Best regards,

    Translate
    Catalina | PTC Community Moderator
    rheinz13-Aquamarine
    13-Aquamarine
    Feb 10, 2026 12:34 PM UTC

    Hello Ramon,

    Yes, in deed this a good question, but that the C3DI File contain the complete Standard aligned is maybe related to the times where the File kept it by itself.

    I agree, as long as the Library - connected - keeping the complete Standard - only the used references need to be historized in the file itself.

    The similar situation I want to evaluate with Windchill 13, that the Illustration Source is no longer kept in my file completely.

    Because the used C3DI file is finally Size of the Standard + Size if the Illustration Source + all Edited stuff in the C3Di.

    Which ends up for some huge structures in files > 4GB

    So - Dear PTC do the Data Architecture need this ALL IN the file?

    Are there, similar to the Illustration Source file handling - ideas to tune it here?

    Regards

    Robert

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      agarland
      agarland16-Pearl
      16-Pearl
      Feb 13, 2026 4:01 PM UTC

      The complete standard is saved in each c3di file.  This is to allow easy sharing of the files between departments that don't necessarily have access to the same servers as well as with third party suppliers.  Both are common scenario's amongst our customers.

      We are aware though that this can in some cases cause large file sizes that are undesirable and are investigating various ways to reduce file size while still allowing the files to be shared without loss of functionality.

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        Ramon_Bohne
        Ramon_Bohne14-AlexandriteAuthorAnswer
        14-Alexandrite
        Oct 21, 2026 10:30 AM UTC

        Thanks for the replies.

        To reduce the file size of all Creo Illustrate files, I've changed the entire procedure.
        I deleted most of the largest custom 3D symbols from the symbol library.

        Instead, I created a tool library and an arrow library in Creo Parametric.

        And for each project, I now create a separate Creo Parametric set containing all the tools and arrows I need.

        From there, I export the PVZ files and also link them into the Creo Illustrate files. This also gives me a fair amount of flexibility in case tools or arrows ever change or new ones are added.

        And yes, you have to include exactly as many tools and arrows in the Creo Parametric assembly as you want to show in a single image. But so far, this has worked very well.

        Best regards

        Ramon Bohne

        (Siemens Energy)

        Translate
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