reduce the size of a file

[Guest]

Are there things that I can do to reduce the size of my excel file?
Currently, my file is slightly over 3 mb and contains over 25 sheets. I
streamlined my formulas, eliminated duplicate references, removed graphics,
etc in an effort to get the file size down. Users with older, slower PCs are
getting delays when opening the file. Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

Jason

 

[Ray]

Hi Jason -

I have a similiar issue with a 'template' that I use each week. It's
not really a template, but a 'read-only' version of a workbook
containing lots of sheets, formulas, links, etc.

My solution was to create a macro that valued out (ie Copy-PasteValues)
all of the formulas before saving the finished product with a unique
name (adding the date to the end). Doing this saved about 1/3 of the
file size.

Maybe you could try this (on a copy of the file, of course) ... and if
it seems to do what you want, I can give more details on how I did it.

//ray

 

[Dave O]

Some possibilities:
~ Delete unused named ranges
~ Reduce formatting (fonts, font sizes, bold, font colors, borders,
shading, etc)
~ Delete (not "clear the contents" but delete) unused rows and columns.
Check this sheet by sheet by pressing CTRL-END, which moves the cell
pointer to the lower right corner of the spreadsheet. If your data
ends at cell E50 but CTRL-END takes you to cell Z500 highlight and
delete the unused rows and columns then save the file.
~ Look for hidden tabs and perform these same type of clean-up
operations on them, too
~ Replace array formulas with SUMPRODUCT formulas that use unary
operators, if possible
~ Consider expanding the memory in the older machines. At some point,
file size just is what it is.

 

[Dana DeLouis]

Currently, my file is slightly over 3 mb ...

Just an idea. Are you using Pivot Tables?
The default setting is to save this duplicate data.
Try Pivot Table - Options
and uncheck "Save data with table layout."
Then check "Refresh on open."
Again, just an idea if it applies.