How do you compress large files?

1 What is file compression?

File compression is the process of reducing the size of a file or a group of files by applying a mathematical algorithm that eliminates redundant or unnecessary data. The compressed file, also called an archive, can be stored or transmitted more efficiently than the original file. There are two main types of file compression: lossless and lossy.

2 Lossless vs lossy compression

Lossless compression preserves the original quality and data of the file, meaning that you can decompress it and get the exact same file as before. This is suitable for files that contain text, data, or code, such as documents, spreadsheets, or software. Some common lossless compression formats are ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, and GZIP.

Lossy compression reduces the size of the file by discarding some data that is deemed less important or noticeable, such as fine details or colors in an image or sound. This results in some loss of quality and fidelity, but it can achieve much higher compression ratios than lossless compression. This is suitable for files that contain media, such as images, audio, or video. Some common lossy compression formats are JPEG, PNG, MP3, AAC, and MP4.

3 How to choose a compression method

Choosing the right compression method for your file depends on several factors, such as type and format, purpose and destination, as well as size and quality. Generally, if you want to compress a single file or a group of files that are not media files, use a lossless compression format like ZIP or RAR. These formats are widely supported and can compress files without affecting their quality or functionality. If you need to compress an image file or a group of image files, then a lossy format like JPEG or PNG is recommended. Such formats can reduce the size of images significantly while still preserving a reasonable level of quality. Additionally, you can adjust the compression level to balance size and quality according to your needs. If you are compressing audio or video files, then opt for a lossy format such as MP3 or MP4. These formats can compress audio and video files efficiently while preserving most of the original sound and picture. You can also choose the bitrate and resolution to optimize the size and quality according to your needs.

4 How to compress files on Windows

Windows has a built-in feature to compress and decompress files using the ZIP format. To compress a file or folder with Windows, right-click on the file or folder and select Send to and then Compressed (zipped) folder . This will create a new ZIP file in the same location as the original file or folder, with the same name. You can then rename the ZIP file or move it to another location. To decompress a ZIP file using Windows, right-click on the ZIP file and select Extract All . A dialog box will appear where you can choose the destination folder for the extracted files. Once you click on Extract , wait for the process to finish.

5 How to compress files on Mac

Mac has a built-in feature that allows you to compress and decompress files using the ZIP format. To compress a file or folder on Mac, select the file or folder you want to compress and right-click on it, then choose Compress from the menu. A new ZIP file will be created in the same location as the original file or folder with the same name. You can rename or move it to another location if desired. To decompress a ZIP file on Mac, double-click on the ZIP file and the extracted files will be placed in the same location as the ZIP file with the same name. These extracted files can be moved or deleted as you wish.

6 How to use other compression tools

If you want to use other compression formats or tools, such as RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZIP, JPEG, PNG, MP3, or MP4, you will need to download and install a third-party software. Popular and versatile compression tools include WinRAR, 7-Zip, PeaZip, ImageOptim, HandBrake, and Audacity. All of these tools are available for Windows, Mac, and Linux. To use them, you will need to download and install them on your computer and then follow their instructions and settings to compress and decompress files. You can find online tutorials and guides for each tool on their websites or other sources. With WinRAR you can create and extract RAR, ZIP, 7Z and many other formats. 7-Zip has a high compression ratio and encryption features. PeaZip can create and extract over 200 compression formats including ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, GZIP and more with a file manager, encryption and security features. ImageOptim is a free and simple tool that optimizes and compresses image files such as JPEGs, PNGs GIFs and SVGs. HandBrake is a free open-source tool that converts videos such as MP4s MKVs AVIs with adjustable bitrate resolution frame rate and quality presets for different devices. Audacity is a free open-source tool that edits audio files such as MP3s WAVs FLACs with adjustable bitrate sample rate channels and quality effects filters editing features.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?