topic Pla size reduce in Modeling

Pla size reduce

Lasha97 — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 02:18:58 GMT

How to reduce the file size of a PLA file in ArchiCAD? File is 970 MB and need to reduce to 300 MB.

I usually save file with these settings.

Operating system used: Windows

Re: Pla size reduce

CosminF — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 15:36:28 GMT

Hi,

You might want to take a look here: Basically you have to get rid of unused layouts, objects, unused surfaces, 3d models with heavy geometries, etc.

https://graphisoft.com/us/understanding-what-contributes-to-archicad-file-size#:~:text=Even%20with%20over%20150%2C000%202D,that%20is%20only%2033.5%20MB.&text=Adding%20more%20elements%20(walls%20and,Interesting.

Re: Pla size reduce

Lingwisyer — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 01:50:09 GMT

How big is the PLN? I did not really notice much compression with PLAs, though I usually use it for storage or transfer so it includes the relevant library parts...

Re: Pla size reduce

Barry Kelly — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 02:01:10 GMT

A PLA will include all placed library objects which has the potential to make the file quite large.

There is the option to include all loaded libraries (which you have turned off), and that will make the file even bigger.

If you are not including all loaded libraries, why do you need to save as a PLA at all.

If you have access to the libraries (i.e. you can still load them yourself) then you only need the PLN.

In my opinion, the only time you need a PLA is if you are sending to someone that does not have the libraries, or you want to archive the file for a permanent record.

And then you might want to include all loaded libraries (or make sure you archive the libraries as well so you can always link to them (load them)).

Barry.