increased file size

[foodminer]

I have a database that was approximately 5 megs. I pasted a 160K graphic on a form and noticed the database size jumped to 14 megs. After I removed the graphic, the file size jumped to 28 megs. Needless to say, I am scratching my head. Is there a way to add graphics to a form without incurring large file growth?
Thanks.

[Peter.Greulich]

Re: increased file size

1. Pack your table(s) to shrink them back to normal.
2. Although you can do what you did, it is better not to add the graphic directly to the table. Instead, use the "image file reference" field type. That way your tables won't bloat. Use a dedicated folder for your images.

[foodminer]

Re: increased file size

Hi Peter,
I did not put the image into a field. I placed the image on a form to enhance its appearance. Upon doing so, the database almost tripled in size. I understand that packing a table gets rid of previously deleted records but I was not using any fields to hold the image.

[Peter.Greulich]

Re: increased file size

Oh, sorry. I misunderstood. In that case, compact your db to shrink it back to normal. Again, instead of embedding the image, reference it. I usually place such images in the same folder as the data itself.

[foodminer]

Re: increased file size

Is a reference field the only way to reference an image?

[foodminer]

Re: increased file size

I used Windows Explorer to find the file that ballooned. Once I saw the file name, I knew which table to pack. Database size is back to normal.
Thanks.

[Peter.Greulich]

Re: increased file size

Is a reference field the only way to reference an image?

Not sure I understand the point of your question? Is that way not acceptable for some reason?

[DaveM]

Re: increased file size

Another method is to use a button to open paint(or some other regular windows shipped progrm) with the picture file in the code.

dim global pics as c
pics=alltrim(var->cpath)+"\apic\\"+ alltrim(var->jpgacct)+".jpg"
sys_open(alltrim(var->pics))

 
this goes on a button and since paint is the default program for jpg, it opens right up every time.

Another way is to use a shrink program like you would do before uploading to the web like "QuickPicks". it will take a 240k jpg to about 30k with no quality difference I can see. We use it on our vehicle pictures or places like cars.com will reject them for size.