Compressing Images

The bitmap images and image resources in a VectorWorks file can be compressed with the JPEG compression method, to save file space. JPEG compression can significantly reduce bitmap image file size, but can result in the loss of fine detail for some images.

The compression method and file size for a selected image display in the Object Info palette. Images that are already compressed by the JPEG compression method remain unchanged.

A selected bitmap file displays “Bitmap” as the object type at the top of the Object Info palette. A bitmap file may already have had PNG compression applied at import; the Compress Images command changes its compression format to JPEG.

Compressing Selected Bitmap Images

To compress selected bitmap images:

1.	Select the bitmaps to be compressed.

2.	Select Tools > Compress Images.

The Compress Images dialog box opens.

3.	Select Apply JPEG Compression to Selected Bitmap Objects. Click OK to compress the selected images.

Compressing All Bitmap Images and/or Image Resources

The JPEG compression method can be applied to all bitmap images in the file. For the best possible reduction in file size, images that have been imported as resources (shown as image resources in the Resource Browser) can also be compressed by the JPEG compression method.

To compress all bitmap images and/or image resources:

1.	Select Tools > Compress Images.

The Compress Images dialog box opens.

2.	Select Apply JPEG Compression to All. Choose whether to apply the JPEG compression to all bitmap images in the drawing, image resources, or both. Click OK to compress the images.