Export to DWG 2000 / 2004 file size

[ejburrell67787]

I have just noticed that when I export a sheet to a DWG file, an AutoCad 2000 DWG file is approx triple the size of an AutoCad 2004 DWG file size. In both cases i was exporting to a single file (ie no xrefs).

Should this be the case? Any explanation?

Anyone know of a way to reduce the AutoCad 2000 DWG file size, since this still seems to be what our consultants require?

Cheers, Elrond

PS It does of course allow a quick check to see if I have exported to the required format or not ;)

[aaronrumple]

Yes. AutoCAD 2004 DWG format is compressed. 2000 is not. Opening any 2000 file in 2004 and saving it will result in file size reductions of the same magnitude. Of course so will zipping up a 2000 dwg.

[ejburrell67787]

Yes. AutoCAD 2004 DWG format is compressed. 2000 is not. Opening any 2000 file in 2004 and saving it will result in file size reductions of the same magnitude. Of course so will zipping up a 2000 dwg.
Thanks Aaron. Is that standard for all 2004 dwg drawings - ie they are compressed by their nature? Sensible idea if so. And yup, I just zip the 2000 dwgs as it is.