Abstract: An automatic process of compacting or "flattening" a hierarchical multi-level logic design for more efficient timing analysis purposes while using electronic design automation tools, the hierarchical multi-level logic design having at least one higher level logic design including at least one instance, but typically a plurality of instances, of a lower level logic design. The process includes creating a file for storing logic design data defining a lower level logic design and timing analysis input data for the lower level logic design, deleting selected logic design data from the file wherein the deleted data represents all internal paths and components of the lower level logic which are not connected to the higher level logic design, thereby leaving only data for external paths and components of the lower level logic design connected to the higher level logic design in the file.