Follow the steps outlined below to check your file size, and try a few ways to reduce it. You can check the maximum file size permitted for your assignment in your assignment instructions.
How do I check my file size?
Windows
Find your Word document on your device. Without opening it, use your mouse to hover over the document name or icon and right click. In the menu that opens choose Properties. Under the General tab you will see Size.
Mac Os
From the desktop click Go. Find your assignment, place the cursor on it and without opening it hold down control and click. Select Get info. You will see your document size on the top right of the Get Info panel.
How do I reduce the file size?
There are 3 areas you can investigate in order to reduce your file size: checking your word count, compressing images, and saving your file as a pdf. We provide guidance for each one below.
We recommend that you save a copy of your document before attempting any manipulation, so, if you are not satisfied with the result of your experimentation, you are able to return to the previous version.
Check your word count
If you are on an award-bearing course and producing a large piece of work, check your word count, and make sure it is in line with the assignment instructions. You can find information on assignment guidelines and policies in your handbook. As a general rule in academic essays the in-text references count towards the word count, but bibliographies and annex documents do not. When in doubt, check with your tutor via one of the forums in your course.
Compress images
If your word count is not at fault but you have included pictures in your document you may well need to reduce their size.
You can use image processing software such as Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro etc., to optimize your image files for the web. There are also some free online sites for compressing images which will do the same job. You can find these by searching for phrases such as ‘make an image smaller’ .
If you don’t have image processing software and would prefer not to use an online tool for individual images, you can use the image compression feature in Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (for PC & Mac users) or Pages (for Mac users) – this will compress the images for you. You can find step-by-step instructions on the Compressing images to reduce file size page.
Save as PDF
If you have tried making the images smaller you may want to use Save As to save a copy of your document as a PDF.
If you have tried compressing your images and saving your document as a PDF and your file is still too large you may wish to try searching online for a free tool to compress your PDF.
If you’re still unable to make your file small enough to submit please contact tallithelp@conted.ox.ac.uk.
