How to compress files for small space

To select more than one file at a time, press and hold the Control key as you click each file. Nearly all files can be compressed, but some files especially video and audio files can only be compressed by a small amount due to the fact that they are already quite compressed. Select the 7-Zip menu. Even more options will expand. Click Add to Archive. This opens 7-Zip. Select 7z from the "Archive Format" menu. When you compress a file with 7-Zip, you'll have several format options for saving the file.

The option that can compress to the smallest file type is 7-Zip's own proprietary file type called. It's really easy to open ZIP files on most devices, and it can still compress files to smaller sizes.

Select Ultra from the "Compression Level" menu. This tells 7-Zip to compress the file into the smallest possible size. The amount of compression will vary depending on the type of file you're compressing.

If you don't see this option, try LZMA instead. This format is the most modern compression method available and will work on most devices. Set "Dictionary Size" to a value that is at least 10 times lower than your memory. A larger dictionary size means better compression, but the memory requirements are ten times the dictionary size. In most cases, MB will suffice, as it provides excellent compression at a decent speed.

Select the option to split the file into smaller files optional. You can leave the other remaining options set to their default settings. But if a file is particularly large, you have the option to split the file into smaller files. For example, you could take a 12 GB folder and split it into three smaller files that could each fit onto a DVD.

Use the drop-down menu below "Split to volumes, bytes" to select how big you want each split file to be. You will need all the split files to extract the files. Make sure you do not delete or lose any of the split files. Click Ok to compress the file.

This compresses the file using the settings you specified. Method 2. Download and install WinRAR. WinRAR is a free for a limited time application you can use to compress files on Windows.

Click the blue WinRAR 6. Open the WinRAR ". Click Install and follow the on-screen instructions. Nearly all files can be compressed, but some files can only be compressed by a small amount. The icon looks like a stack of books. Select an archive format. ZIP is the standard compression option and easiest to open on any system.

Select Best from the "Compression Method" menu. This method provides the highest compression ratio the smallest size file. Select a Dictionary Size. The default option will already be selected based on the archive format you selected. The larger the dictionary file, the more compressed the file can be.

However, compression and decompression can take a long time and large dictionary sizes require better computer hardware. You can try a size that is 10 times lower than your memory, or stick to the default if that takes too long.

If a file is particularly large, you have the option to split the file into smaller files. Use the drop-down menu below "Split to volumes, size" to select how big you want each split file to be. Click Ok. It's in the lower right corner. This compresses your file. Method 3. Right-click the file s you want to compress. To select more than one file at a time, press and hold the Command key as you click each file.

Then, right-click the highlighted files. You can compress most files types on your Mac. The size of the compressed file will vary depending on the type of file it is—images, text files, and various documents can usually compress to much smaller files than video and audio, for example.

Click Compress. This compresses the file into a ZIP file, which also reduces its size. ZIP file extension, which is a globally-used compression format that can be opened on nearly any system without needing special software. To decompress the file, double-click it. Method 4. In the General tab, click on the Advanced button. Toward the bottom of the window you will see a check box that will allow you to Compress contents to save disk space.

Tech-Ease is your source for just-in-time answers for classroom technology questions. Funding for Tech-Ease content development has been provided by by various grants from the University of South Florida and the Florida Department of Education. Tech Ease for all your classroom technology needs. How do I compress files to make them smaller? For the sake of this guide, we will limit our options to the best three ways to compress files without losing quality.

While virtually all Windows is equipped with a built-in file compression system, it is vital to note that these systems are not as efficient as third party software. In fact, the size of compressible files is typically restricted on Windows. Therefore, you may need to employ some third-party file compression software to bring the price home. Even better, these software work on Windows and on Mac too.

This file compressor is not only free to download, but also very easy to use. Simply follow these steps to get started. Note : While adding your files, be sure to keep an eye out for the Archive format. Make sure it always set to ZIP. This freeware is a great choice of many who wish to a number of video compression tasks.

You can change the codec of your files and have them compressed in no time. To do this, simply adhere to the steps below. Movavi Video Converter has got to be the easiest and quickest solution to file compression today. This program is ridiculously easy to use and it works perfectly with every file type — video, image, and audio. Here are the 5 simple steps involved in enjoying this super fast file converter. With the right software and the right steps, you can shrink the size of any file and save yourself the money, time, and space.

Be sure to try out any of these methods of file compression and let us know how well it worked for you.

Thanks for reading! This will not make your file smaller, but it will allow you to share it in smaller parts to other users.

This is beneficial if you have limited storage, bandwidth, or a very large single file you want to share. Usually, this option is in the same menu with all the features from the previous section.

Once it finishes, you will need to store all the parts of a ZIP archive in the same folder. Later, when you start extracting them, you only need to click on one of the archives and all the parts will automatically be merged together. Most of the file formats that are necessary to a regular user are already compressed.