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CAD tip # 8754:

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Thumbnail settings can influence AutoCAD DWG file size.

AutoCAD version 2013 has changed the method of storing raster thumbnail images (previews) inside DWG files. These thumbnails are now internally stored in better quality (PNG format) and they have higher default resolution. Windows Explorer or EDM systems working with document thumbnails can now quickly display better pictures of the contents of your DWG drawings.

Size of the thumbnails saved with a drawing is controlled by the THUMBSIZE variable (stored in Registry, default=3). Higher values than the default "3" are applied only on 3D drawings. How does this setting influence the total size of DWG files?

Especially with simple smaller drawings, the increase of the total file size can be quite substantial - up to 2x of the size without any thumbnail (THUMBSAVE=0). The size is also influenced by other factors, e.g. by image compression or by incremental saving of changes into DWGs. The following sample is not influenced by these factors but still consider it an example only:

THUMBSIZE	Thumb resolution	File size	Size increase
off	N/A	62 276	0%
0	64 x 64	63 555	+2.1%
1	128 x 128	64 579	+3.7%
2	256 x 256	65 603	+5.3%
3	512 x 512	70 723	+13.6%
4	1024 x 1024	83 011	+33.3%
5	1440 x 1440	94 275	+51.4%
6	1600 x 1600	99 395	+59.6%
7	1920 x 1920	108 611	+74.4%
8	2560 x 2560	132 163	+112.2%

ACAD2013LT2013DWG

* CAD

9.8.2012 2184x

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applies to: AutoCAD 2013 · AutoCAD LT 2013 · DWG ·

See also:
Tip 9156:	I have enabled saving to cloud but my newly saved DWG is not in the cloud.
Tip 8361:	Automatic vertex labels with autonumbering and coordinates.
Tip 7937:	AutoCAD freezes trying to Open a DWG drawing.
Tip 7824:	Using constraints for simulations of mechanisms in AutoCAD.
Tip 7800:	How to model a 3D hyperboloid?

Selected tip: Command shortcuts not working when using DWG double-click.

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