Forum Discussion
Bloated Storyline File Size
I believe a long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away...) there was some mention or discussion on "bloated" Storyline file sizes.
What I mean is...
Say I have a really cool layout from a Storyline file that I've previously built. So, I want to rebuild another course/file based on this one. I open this file up, open the older file up, and simply do a copy from old and paste into new...content, images, etc.
I then delete all irrelevant content and additional slides as needed.
The NEW Storyline file contains LESS content...no additional images (less images actually), no video, no audio.
And when I SAVE this new file...voila...the Storyline file size INCREASES.
And, say, down the road, I open this file back up to repeat the process, reduce content again, remove slides, etc. And then save. And boom...another increase in file size.
HOWEVER...if I open Storyline from the desktop app...create a brand spanking new Storyline file, ensure the DESIGN SIZE is identical to the one I want to "import," and then IMPORT that bloated file...reduction in file size. By a LOT - like, what it SHOULD have been when I initially built and saved it based off an older file.
Just wondering if there was ever any clear-cut answer as to WHY that happens? It's not really an issue, and again, the workaround - saving the rebuilt/bloated file, and then creating a new Storyline file and importing and re-saving - works, but it's one of those nagging issues that keeps me awake at night when I think about it.
Any ideas?
3 Replies
If you delete in Storyline file and then do a save as the file will still keep the original contents in case you want to do an undo. To reduce the size you should close, reopen and save. If that doesnt reduce the bloat open a support case.
Not really. This is an on-going issue from years ago and was just wondering if there has been a "fix" for it.
And that's not saying that I do appreciate the suggestion but...it doesn't work. I've been using SL for a decade now, and this has been going on since 3 I think.
The steps you mention? Don't work. That's how that screenshot was taken...Closed the file...reopened the file...saved the file...STILL bloated.
The ONLY method the reduces the file size and puts it in the "normal" range is the method I outlined originally. Open Storyline...create a new file with the same Design Size as the one to "convert," import that bloated file, and save. And the file size is reduced.
I'm just wondering WHY this happens. Even in a brand new file. And, even if the undo option were viable, after I save the file, and then reopen it, and then save it again...it's still bloated, even though the option to "undo" is no longer "there."
Works most times for me, which is why I suggested opening a support case. Undo doesn't carry across after a close but the files are maintained until you reopen, save and close again.
If you have imported objects into the media library then these never get deleted even when removed from the slide, these have to be manually removed this is by design.
