Logo's are quadrupling the size of my database

[davesaint]

I added bitmap project logos to all my reports and menus. The total number of logos is about 20. A single logo is about 290KB. Since I added the logos the size of my DB went from 25mb to 180mb. I've used logos before with other DB's I built and never had this problem. What can I do to resolve this issue? I know I can get rid of the logos. If I convert my logos to another format .png will this help?
If so I do I covert a .bmp to a .png?

 

[mkov]

Have you tried compact and repair on the database?

 

[davesaint]

Yes. It lowers the size down to 120mb.

 

[mkov]

There is a lot of overhead with logos in a database. So the 290k file could potentionally take up a lot more space than that within the database.

I don't know a whole lot about logos and the different formats, but try converting them to a jpeg and see if that helps any.

 

[mp9]

Another thing you could try, if you really must have bitmaps in your db, is go to your graphics editing package of choice, open up the bitmap(s) in question and do a Save As. Then look in your program's Save options for bitmaps and change the encoding from RGB (which is the default) to Run-Length Encoding (e.g. in Paint Stop Pro there's an Options button in the Save dialog box).

I tried this on a photo which reduced the size significantly, from 768KB with RBG encoding to 256KB with Run-Length Encoding.

Do this will all your bitmaps and you could end up with a significant size saving.

Run-Length Encoding compresses the file by grouping large blocks of colour together, so for simple logos with fewer different colours you could achieve even greater size savings.

Another thought - while you're doing your Save As, check the colour depth of your image - try reducing it from 256 to 16; if the logo stills looks okay, this will also help keep the file size down.

One final thought - Run-Length encoded bitmaps can't be used in some applications, e.g. the old Windows Help File compiler doesn't like them. However, I've tried adding a Run-Length encoded bitmap to an Access db and it works fine.

Hope this helps.

http://www22.brinkster.com/accessory/

 

[FancyPrairie]

Instead of embedding the pictures you could link to them. Then they are not stored in your database. Your reports may run a few milliseconds slower, but I don't think you'll notice it (you might notice it with the menus).

 

[davesaint]

I was able to save the logo at 16 and in the jpeg format. The database is now down to 40mb. Thanks for your suggestions.