Wouldn't you consider this compacting a bit like defragmenting a hard drive? I know when I add data or merge individuals or create reports, etc. my files will normally compact at least 20%, and I normally compact my file weekly. Sue -----Original Message----- From: ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com [mailto:ftm-tech-bounces@rootsweb.com] On Behalf Of Caroline Gurney Sent: Friday, August 19, 2011 3:02 PM To: ftm-tech@rootsweb.com Subject: Re: [FTM-TECH] Compacting Tom, I find that creating and saving reports within FTM significantly increases the size of my file. If I later delete those reports, compacting the file can reduce its size by up to 20%. I compact regularly and can see how someone who does not could easily get to 50% or more. Caroline Gurney