Document Size Changes

Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated June 11, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003

When converting Word documents from an older version of Word to a newer version, you may notice changes in the sizes of the documents. Particularly, you may notice that some files shrink in size. The biggest potential reason for this is the settings you have selected in the newer version of Word.

For instance, let's say that you had been working with a document for quite some time in Word 97, and you had the "Allow Quick Saves" feature turned on. In this case, the file could have quite a bit of the "quick save" edit data saved with the base file (resulting in a very bloated disk file). If you have this feature turned off in Word 2002, then when you loaded the document, and saved it back out, the edit data was incorporated into the base document and the document was saved as a whole. The result is that less disk space is required to save the document.

Other settings which may potentially affect the size of your files are those settings dealing with how Word stores graphics with your documents. In addition, how you have inserted the graphics into your document will also affect the size. If you suspect there is a problem, it is typically best to select Options from the Tools menu and check out your settings.

WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (156) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003.

Author Bio

Allen Wyatt

With more than 50 non-fiction books and numerous magazine articles to his credit, Allen Wyatt is an internationally recognized author. He is president of Sharon Parq Associates, a computer and publishing services company. Learn more about Allen...

MORE FROM ALLEN

Adding Custom Page Border Art

Word allows you to easily add page borders. If you want to add some special artwork, your limited choices may force you ...

Discover More

Two-Level Axis Labels

Need a chart that uses two lines for axis labels? It's easy to do if you know how to set up your data in the worksheet, ...

Discover More

Using Graphics to Represent Data Series

You can spice up your bar chart by using a graphic, of your choosing, to construct the bars. This tip shows how easy it ...

Discover More

Discover the Power of Microsoft Office This beginner-friendly guide reveals the expert tips and strategies you need to skyrocket your productivity and use Office 365 like a pro. Mastering software like Word, Excel, and PowerPoint is essential to be more efficient and advance your career. Simple lessons guide you through every step, providing the knowledge you need to get started. Check out Microsoft Office 365 For Beginners today!

More WordTips (menu)

Noticeable Delays when Switching Documents

Do you notice a certain "slowness" that occurs when you switch between document windows in Word? There could be any ...

Discover More

Appending to a Non-Document Text File

Your macros can easily add information to the end of an existing text file. This is done by opening the target file in ...

Discover More

A Real AutoSave

When you enable AutoSave in Word, it doesn't really save your document; it just saves a temporary file that allows your ...

Discover More

FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."

View most recent newsletter.

Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

Notify me about new comments ONLY FOR THIS TIP

Notify me about new comments ANYWHERE ON THIS SITE

Hide my email address

What is one more than 9?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

This Site

Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon interface.