Homebrew Question Does installing an .xci file to SD card also include padding?

[Nynrah]

Hey guys,

I'm using Goldleaf and Tinleaf to install my .xci and .nsp files since it was equiped with that when I got my modded Switch with Atmosphere. I noticed quickly that .xci files always contain a lot of padding that can sometimes make for GBs of difference in size between the .xci file and a zipped .xci file. I know that xci files can be trimmed, but what I'm confused about is on how much space an installed xci file takes. For example, my .xci file is 8 GB, but its trimmed size is 6 GB and its .nsp equivalent would also be about 6 GB, does Tinleaf install 8 GB of data to my SD card or 6 GB? I kinda want to get this clear before I start trimming my .xci files and reinstall them (I assume that won't affect my save files or require a reinstall of the updates/DLC .nsp files I've installed to my SD card?). So, does the padding also get included in the install size or is that discarded during the installation?

 

[mathew77]

It's discarded.

 

[pcwizard7]

xci is a container and trim just makes the container as small as possible while being able to fit the packages. installing one just installs the packages inside it

 

[Nynrah]

Awesome, thanks! Then I won't bother trimming my .xci files.

 

[pcwizard7]

Awesome, thanks! Then I won't bother trimming my .xci files.

if you plan on storing them somewhere i would trim them to save disk space

 

[Maupiti]

if you plan on storing them somewhere i would trim them to save disk space

I agree, and maybe use nsz ?

 

[Nynrah]

if you plan on storing them somewhere i would trim them to save disk space

I agree, and maybe use nsz ?

I stored my xci files (together with any nsp files for updating and DLC belonging to the game in question) as .rar archives. Already saved a lot of space that would have been lost on padding.