The maximum file size that can be submitted to Turnitin is 40 megabytes. If you have created a large office document that includes images and diagrams, it may be necessary to reduce the documents file size so that it is under this limit. The added benefit of smaller file size is that the document will be faster to upload.
Images contained in Office documents are often in a higher resolution than necessary for viewing on screen. High-resolution images will have a corresponding large file size that affects a document's overall file size. The file size of these images can be reduced without significant loss in image quality.
This document describes how to check the file size of your document before submission and details some methods to reduce and optimise images if the document exceeds 40 megabytes.
Note: Make a copy of your original file BEFORE attempting any of the steps shown. Work ONLY with the copy. |
How you check an Office document’s file size depends on what operating system you’re using i.e. Windows or Mac OS.
Note: File size is shown in either KB (Kilobytes) or MB (Megabytes). Remember that 1024 KB is equal to 1 MB. |
To check file size in Windows:
To check file size in Mac OS:
Microsoft Office comes with an option to reduce the size of all of the images in your document. Taking Word as an example:
In the Compress Pictures window, choose a lower Resolution.
Select the OK button
Note: Image resolution guidlines: |
The above process can also be used to reduce the size of individual images and can be useful if some images need to be kept at a high resolution to show small details clearly.
Note: For the image optimisation process for older versions of Office, please see the following links: |
Using the Save as PDF feature in Word you have the option to reduce the size of a document - if it contains images.
Standard (publishing online and printing): This is the default option and will reduce the size of your file.
Minimum size (publishing online): This produces the smallest file size. Please note, this is option is only suitable for viewing the file on a computer. It may give unsatisfactory printing results.
Microsoft Office for Mac OS also comes with an option to reduce the size of the images in your document. Taking Word as an example:
In the Reduce File Size option window that opens, from the Picture Quality drop down menu, select either:
Best for printing (220ppi): This is suitable for on-screen viewing and printing.
Best for viewing on screen (150ppi): This is suitable for viewing on a computer and makes a smaller file size. However, it may not be suitable for printing.
Make sure the Remove cropped picture regions checkbox is selected/ticked.
Finally, select the OK button.
The Preview application comes with Mac OS and, as its name suggests, allows you to Preview/View many files types - including PDFs. To use Preview to reduce the file size of a PDF, please follow these steps:
From the drop-down menu next to Quartz Filter, select Reduce File Size.
Note: Change the file name to make sure you don’t overwrite your original file. |