As far as graphics affecting file sizes, the best bet is to save the graphic
images as JPGs and use the "Insert", "Picture", "From file" method to insert
them. Linking will help if you don't plan on sending this document out to
folks. Try not to copy and paste images into Word. This will certainly
result in file size bloating.
I would say that the following three methods are available for inserting
images:
1. Copy and Paste - results in the largest file sizes because of the extra
"overhead" needed to process the images for viewing.
2. Copy, "Edit", "Paste Special", "JPEGs". This is better because it tells
Word which type of image it is. This reduces overhead (extra file size),
but not as good as Method 3 below.
3. "Insert", "Picture", "From file". This results in the smallest file
size. If your images were pasted in, you can simply select the image, press
CTRL+X to cut it, open a graphics program like Microsoft Photo Editor, click
"Edit", "Paste as new image", save it as a JPG, then use the "Insert" method
to put it right back in. The time you spend doing #3 will save you in
headaches and grief later trying to manipulate this large file.
You can also turn off "Fast saves" under "Tools", "Options", "Save" TAB.
Hope this helps! Holler back if you have questions.
