How to Reduce SolidWorks File Size Quickly and Effectively

To reduce SolidWorks file size, simplify your model by removing unnecessary features and details, use Lightweight Mode for assemblies, and clean up unused sketches or configurations. Also, save files in eDrawings or use Pack and Go to exclude non-essential data.

Syntax

Here are common methods and their usage in SolidWorks to reduce file size:

• Lightweight Mode: Open large assemblies with reduced data load.
• Defeature Tool: Remove small or internal details not needed for your work.
• Pack and Go: Save only necessary files and exclude unused components.
• Save As eDrawings: Export simplified files for sharing.

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Lightweight Mode: Right-click assembly > Set to Lightweight

Defeature Tool: Tools > Defeature > Follow wizard to remove details

Pack and Go: File > Pack and Go > Select files to include/exclude

Save As eDrawings: File > Save As > Choose eDrawings (*.eprt, *.easm, *.edrw)

Example

This example shows how to use the Defeature tool to reduce file size by removing small holes and internal features:

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1. Open your part or assembly in SolidWorks.
2. Go to <strong>Tools &gt; Defeature</strong>.
3. Choose <strong>Remove Internal Features</strong>.
4. Select features like small holes or fillets to remove.
5. Complete the wizard and save the simplified file.

Output

The saved file size is reduced by removing unnecessary internal details, making it faster to open and share.

Common Pitfalls

Many users forget to clean up unused sketches, configurations, or hide large components instead of removing them, which keeps file size large. Also, saving files without compressing or using lightweight mode can slow down performance.

Wrong approach: Keeping all detailed features and configurations active.

Right approach: Use Defeature, delete unused sketches, and enable Lightweight Mode for assemblies.

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Wrong:
Keep all features and configurations active.

Right:
Use Tools > Defeature to remove details.
Delete unused sketches from FeatureManager.
Set assemblies to Lightweight Mode.

Quick Reference

Method	Description	How to Use
Lightweight Mode	Loads assemblies with less data to reduce memory use	Right-click assembly > Set to Lightweight
Defeature Tool	Removes small or internal features to simplify model	Tools > Defeature > Follow wizard
Pack and Go	Saves only necessary files for sharing or archiving	File > Pack and Go > Select files
Save As eDrawings	Exports simplified files for easy sharing	File > Save As > Choose eDrawings format
Clean Up Sketches	Deletes unused sketches to reduce file clutter	Delete sketches in FeatureManager

Key Takeaways

Use Lightweight Mode to open large assemblies faster and reduce memory use.

Simplify models by removing unnecessary features with the Defeature tool.

Clean up unused sketches and configurations to lower file size.

Use Pack and Go to save only essential files for sharing or archiving.

Export as eDrawings for lightweight, shareable versions of your models.