Title says it all really. I've recently been finding that when I combine package files with S3PE the merged file can be larger than the combined size of all the files merged inside it!

For example, I just merged my "skins" folder. The size of this folder unmerged is 39mb. The merged package file is 52mb!

I know it sounds a bit mad, but it's true. Am I doing something wrong? I've used S3PE for a year or more now, and it definitely did not used to do this before.

Is the merged file just bigger with skins or other cc as well? I've also seen before that it's not good to merge skin package files.

Good that you mention this. I've always wanted to post about this at simlogical but always forgot and now the forums are gone. I experience the same: merged furniture and merged clothing files get larger, while merged hair gets smaller.
I think it is Anach who still maintains some sort of S3PE merging support but I lost the link to their site, unfortunately.

Also, if you open a package with s3pe, remove some resources then save, it can be bigger than the original file...for some reason..

Yes, that's why I run the finished merged .package through S3RC; it reduces the filesize by a sizeable amount (e.g. on an 180MB merged package, it'll cut off about 30MB).
Doesn't S3PE decompress things like _IMG resources? I think those are responsible for huge .package file sizes.


You can safely merge anything except mods. Personally, though, I've found that merging Nraas mods has no negative consequences, but merging other smaller scripting mods will cause them to not work. That being said, merge mods at your own risk.

Ah-ha! Thanks for posting this. I noticed the same issue recently. Commenting so I don't forget to check back and grab S3RC.

I don't have any problem merging mods

This is really helpful, thanks! I'll give it a try.