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Home / How to Reduce Big Files for Upload Mac

How to Reduce Big Files for Upload Mac

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Storing large files on Windows or macOS can be frustrating when you're low on deejay space. It tin too be tricky to share and send large files to others because of email and text size limitations. Fortunately, there are several tools that make it piece of cake to brand larger files small enough to share and shop. This wikiHow article volition teach yous how to compress large files, including apps, audio, and video, to much smaller sizes.

  1. 1

    Download and install 7-Nothing. 7-Zip is a free file compression program you tin use to compress large files and folders. Utilize the following steps to download and install 7-Zip:

    • Get to https://www.seven-nada.org/ in a spider web browser.
    • Click Download next to the latest version of 7-Cypher.
    • Open the .exe file inside your web browser or "Downloads" folder.
    • Click Install.

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    Luigi Oppido is the Owner and Operator of Pleasure Signal Computers in Santa Cruz, California. Luigi has over 25 years of experience in general computer repair, information recovery, virus removal, and upgrades. He is too the host of the Reckoner Man Show! broadcasted on KSQD roofing central California for over 2 years.

    Luigi Oppido

    Luigi Oppido
    Calculator & Tech Specialist

    Did You Know? Compressing a file is platonic when you want to make a file smaller or if you need to shrink multiple files into a single packet. For instance, if you need to email a 12mb file only your limit is 10mb, you tin compress it downwardly to 7mb. Then, the other person can decompress the file to open up it.

  2. 2

    Right-click the file or folder y'all want to compress. A context carte volition expand.

    • To select more than ane file at a time, press and concord the Control cardinal as you click each file.
    • Near all files can be compressed, just some files (specially video and audio files) can only be compressed by a minor amount due to the fact that they are already quite compressed.[1]

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  3. 3

    Select the seven-Zilch menu. Even more options volition expand.

  4. four

    Click Add to Archive . This opens 7-Zero.

  5. 5

    Select 7z from the "Archive Format" menu. When you lot compress a file with vii-Zip, you'll accept 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 .7z.[two]

    • People opening the file will need to use software that tin can open up a .7z file to decompress it—this can be 7-Zip, WinZip, and Mac's built-in Annal Utility.[3]
    • If yous're worried virtually people having problem opening the file, you could choose zip instead. It'south really easy to open ZIP files on most devices, and it tin can still compress files to smaller sizes.

  6. vi

    Select Ultra from the "Compression Level" card. This tells seven-Zilch to shrink the file into the smallest possible size. The amount of pinch will vary depending on the blazon of file yous're compressing.

  7. vii

    Select LZMA 2 from the "Compression method" menu. If you lot don't see this option, try LZMA instead. This format is the almost modern compression method bachelor and will work on about devices.

  8. eight

    Fix "Dictionary Size" to a value that is at least 10 times lower than your memory. A larger dictionary size means meliorate compression, only the memory requirements are ten times the dictionary size. In most cases, 128 MB will suffice, every bit it provides splendid pinch at a decent speed.[four]

    • For example, if your computer has 8 GB of RAM, yous could select the number closest to 800 MB as your dictionary size, or go lower to make the file shrink and decompress faster.

  9. 9

    Select the option to split the file into smaller files (optional). You lot can leave the other remaining options ready to their default settings. But if a file is particularly big, you lot have the option to split the file into smaller files. For example, you could take a 12 GB binder and split it into three smaller files that could each fit onto a DVD. Utilize the drop-down carte below "Separate to volumes, bytes" to select how big y'all want each split file to be.

    • You volition need all the split up files to excerpt the files. Make sure you do not delete or lose whatsoever of the split files.

  10. x

    Click Ok to compress the file. This compresses the file using the settings you specified.

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  1. 1

    Download and install WinRAR. WinRAR is a gratis (for a limited time) application you tin employ to compress files on Windows. Employ the post-obit steps to download and install WinRAR:

    • Go to https://www.win-rar.com/download.html in a spider web browser.
    • Click the blue WinRAR 6.02 push button (the version name will vary) to download it.
    • Open the WinRAR ".exe" file.
    • Click Install and follow the on-screen instructions.

  2. 2

    Right-click the file or folder you want to compress. A context menu will expand.

    • To select more than one file at a time, press and hold the Command primal equally you click each file.
    • Most all files can be compressed, but some files can only be compressed past a small-scale corporeality.

  3. 3

    Click Add together to annal next to the WinRAR icon. The icon looks similar a stack of books.

  4. four

    Select an annal format. The options are RAR, RAR5, and ZIP. RAR and RAR5 are better at compressing files than Nil—only the person who is decompressing the file will need software that tin "un-RAR" it (WinRAR or seven-Aught on Windows, Unarchiver on macOS).[5] RAR5 is the latest version of the RAR file type, but may not be recognized in older software. Nothing is the standard compression pick and easiest to open up on whatever system.

  5. 5

    Select Best from the "Compression Method" carte du jour. This method provides the highest compression ratio (the smallest size file).

  6. 6

    Select a Dictionary Size. The default option will already be selected based on the annal format yous selected. The larger the dictionary file, the more compressed the file can exist. However, compression (and decompression) can take a long time and large lexicon sizes require better computer hardware. You tin effort a size that is 10 times lower than your memory, or stick to the default if that takes too long.

    • For example, if your computer has 4 GB of RAM, you lot might select the number closest to 400 MB as your dictionary size.

  7. vii

    Select the option to split the file into smaller files (optional). If a file is peculiarly big, you lot have the option to divide the file into smaller files. For case, yous could have a 12 GB binder and split information technology into three smaller files that could each fit onto a DVD. Utilise the drop-down menu below "Split to volumes, size" to select how big you want each split up file to exist.

    • You will demand all the split up files to excerpt the files. Make certain you lot do not delete or lose any of the split files.

  8. 8

    Click Ok . It'due south in the lower right corner. This compresses your file.

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  1. 1

    Open up Finder on your Mac . Information technology's the two-toned smiley face up icon on the Dock, which is usually at the lesser of the screen.

  2. ii

    Right-click the file(s) y'all want to compress. A context carte du jour volition expand.

    • To select more one file at a time, printing and hold the Command key equally you click each file. So, right-click the highlighted files.
    • You tin 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 tin can usually compress to much smaller files than video and sound, for example.[half dozen]

  3. 3

    Click Compress . This compresses the file into a Nil file, which also reduces its size.[7]

    • The new file has the .Zippo file extension, which is a globally-used pinch format that can be opened on nearly whatsoever system without needing special software.
    • To decompress the file, double-click it.

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  1. one

    Download Avidemux. To compress a large video into a smaller file, you'll demand pinch software that's specifically for video. Avidemux is a costless selection that can considerably decrease a video's size, and it's bachelor for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Hither's how to become it:

    • Get to http://fixounet.free.fr/avidemux/download.html in a web browser.
    • Click FOSSHUB next to your operating system.
    • Click the download link for your operating organisation.
    • Open up the downloaded file in your web browser or Downloads folder.
    • Follow the instructions to complete the installation.

  2. 2

    Launch Avidemux. You lot'll notice it in the Windows Start menu or your Mac's Applications folder.

    • Compressing a video ways sacrificing its quality. You can play around with compression options to figure out the best size-to-quality ratio.
    • Pic files that yous've downloaded from online sources may already be compressed. Further compression can atomic number 82 to a about unwatchable final product, or may not result in significant size changes.
    • Information technology is non possible to decompress a compressed video. Yous should always relieve the compressed version every bit a separate file and so that you don't lose the original.

  3. three

    Open a video file in Avidemux. Here'southward how:

    • Click File and select Open.
    • Select a video file on your computer and click 'Open up.

  4. 4

    Select Mpeg4 AVC (x264) from the "Video Output" driblet-down carte du jour. This format gives you the highest level of compression at the all-time possible quality.[8]

  5. five

    Select AAC FDK "Audio Output" drib-downwardly menu. This compresses the audio runway of the video to keep its size down.

  6. 6

    Select MP4 Muxer from the "Output Format" carte du jour. This is the most widely-compatible video format.

  7. 7

    Click the Configure button under the "Video Output" section. Information technology's the start option below "Video Output."

  8. 8

    Select Video Size (Two Laissez passer) from the drib-down menu. It's in the "Rate Control" department at the bottom. This option lets you specify the size you want your video to be.

    • The larger the file size, the ameliorate the quality. Setting the target size significantly smaller than the original size will result in a desperate subtract in quality.
    • If you're not sure which size to use, keep the default.

  9. nine

    Enter the target size for the converted video. Avidemux volition adjust its settings to become every bit close to your target size as possible, but it may terminate upwardly slightly over or slightly under the target size.

  10. 10

    Click OK . This returns you to the previous screen.

  11. 11

    Click the deejay icon to save and compress the video. Information technology's in the upper-left corner of the app. Y'all'll be asked to name the video before compression begins. Depending on the length of the video and the quality settings, this could have quite some time to complete.

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  1. ane

    Understand what tin can exist compressed. About audio files that you download from the internet, such as MP3 or AAC files, are already compressed. Further pinch of these types of files will typically result in a poor-sounding file, merely volition subtract the file'south size. Compression is best suited for uncompressed formats such every bit WAV or AIFF.

  2. ii

    Download Audacity. This is a free, open-source sound editing plan for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Hither's how to get it:

    • Get to https://www.audacityteam.org/download/ in a web browser.
    • Click the install link for your operating system.
    • Open the downloaded file in your Downloads binder and follow the on-screen instructions to install.

  3. 3

    Open Brazenness. Yous'll find it in the Windows Commencement bill of fare if you're using Windows, or the Applications folder if you're using a Mac.

  4. 4

    Open up the audio file you want to compress. Here's how:

    • Click the File card and select Open.
    • Select an audio file and click Open.

  5. 5

    Brand the file mono (optional). This isn't recommended for music or anything with essential stereo effects, but for spoken vocalism or other recordings that don't require high-fidelity, switching to mono (single-rail) can brand the file significantly smaller. Use the following steps to catechumen a stereo file to mono:

    • Click the down-arrow next to the file's proper noun in the project area.
    • Select "Dissever to Mono" from the bill of fare.

  6. 6

    Open the "Export Audio" window. This will open a window allowing you lot to set where you want the file to be saved, likewise as the format yous desire to apply. Hither's how:

    • Click File.
    • Click Consign.
    • Click Export Audio…

  7. 7

    Select your compressed format. All of the formats listed in the "Relieve as type" menu are compressed formats except .wav and .aiff. The format y'all cull depends on your requirements.

    • ".mp3" is the well-nigh mutual format for music, as it allows for good compression without much noticeable quality loss. Information technology'due south also compatible with about whatever device.
    • ".flac" is a lossless form of compression. Information technology is good if yous intend to play back the audio through a high-quality sound system, but it is non compatible with many devices. .flac will also not lead to a drastic reduction in file size.
    • ".ogg" creates meliorate audio quality than MP3 at similar file sizes, but information technology's not uniform with as many devices.[nine]

  8. eight

    Select the audio quality. Lower quality will provide a greater rate of compression, but at the cost of audio quality.

    • MP3: Medium and Standard will provide a decent rate of pinch with boilerplate sound quality. Farthermost and Insane volition provide less compression with higher sound quality.
    • OGG/M4A(ACC): Drag the slider bar to the left to increment the rate of compression, but lower the sound quality. Drag it to the correct to subtract, the rate of pinch while increasing the sound quality.
    • All other file types: Use the driblet-down bill of fare below "Bit Rate" or "Chip Depth" to select the sound quality/rate of compression. Lower chip rate/bit depth volition provide a higher charge per unit of compression but with poorer sound quality.

  9. 9

    Name the compressed file and click Save . This compresses the original file into a new file with the name and parameters you entered. The original file volition remain on your computer.

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  1. i

    Understand what can exist compressed. Most images that you lot download online are already compressed. The file formats .jpg, .gif, and .png are all forms of compression, and further pinch will pb to a precipitous subtract in quality. Compression for images is nigh useful if yous are working with images direct from a digital camera or .bmp files.

    • Information technology is not possible to uncompress a compressed image. You should always save the compressed version as a separate file so that you don't lose the original.

  2. 2

    Understand the difference between "lossless" and "lossy" compression. There are essentially 2 types of compression for images: "lossless" and "lossy". Lossless pinch is for cases where yous need an exact replication of the original and is typically used for drawings, diagrams, and medical imaging. Lossy compression is for cases where a drop in quality won't be noticed as much and is near normally used for photographs.

    • .gif, .tiff, and .png are all lossless formats.
    • .jpg is the well-nigh common lossy format for images.

  3. 3

    Open an image editor of your choice. Well-nigh all image editors support compression past allowing you lot to save the epitome as a different file format. When you choose a compressed format, yous'll be given options to determine how much compression to use.

    • Photoshop, GIMP, and Paint allow you to salve paradigm files every bit compressed formats. About any image editing program will work, though some will requite you more quality options than others.
    • Photoshop is the well-nigh popular image editor, but if you don't take a subscription, you can download and install GIMP for gratuitous. It has a lot of the same features equally Photoshop.

  4. 4

    Open up an prototype the image editor. Each image editor is a little dissimilar, but more often than not, the style you open a file is usually similar. Employ the post-obit steps to open up an image in your epitome editor.

    • Click File in the menu bar.
    • Click Open.
    • Select an paradigm and click Open.

  5. 5

    Open the Consign menu. This will let you to save a re-create of the original epitome using a new format. Apply the following steps to open up the Export card:

    • Click File.
    • Click Save Every bit (Photoshop, Paint) or Export As (GIMP).

  6. vi

    Select your desired format. In Pigment, but click your desired image format. In Photoshop, select your desired image format using the drib-downwardly menu next to "Format". On GIMP, click the menu that says Select File by Type and select your desired image format. The format you choose has a lot to practise with the nature of the image.[10]

    • If you're compressing a photograph, select .jpg every bit your format.
    • If you lot're compressing an image with less than 256 colors, select .gif as your format.
    • If you're compressing a screenshot, a drawing or comic, or any other not-natural image, select .png.
    • If you're compressing an prototype with layers that y'all desire to preserve, select the .tiff format (note that .tiff format isn't necessarily considered compression).[xi]

  7. vii

    Click Save (Photoshop) or Export (GIMP). This saves your epitome in the new format.

  8. 8

    Set your quality options (if possible) and click Ok . Epitome editors like Photoshop and GIMP will ask yous to select your quality and compression settings after clicking the "Export/Save" push button. You can typically apply a slider to adjust the compression or quality.

    • Increasing compression (decreasing quality) will result in a much smaller file size, merely will add together a lot of artifacts and change the colour of the image. You may need to play with the options to find a adept tradeoff betwixt quality and size.

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Add New Question

  • Question

    How do I compress a 144 MB mp4 video file down to 25 MB?

    Community Answer

    Use Freemake audio converter to catechumen it to mp4, then set the limit to 25 MB.

  • Question

    Can I compress GTA 5 to a size lower than 35 GB?

    Community Answer

    No, considering GTA 5 is an open up-world game that has many types of files which may becoming corrupted if compressed.

  • Question

    How can I compress a PDF file?

    Community Answer

    Use a program chosen WinRar to compress PDF files easily.

  • Question

    Is L.H.A. notwithstanding bachelor?

    Community Answer

    It's a legacy algorithm, consider modern ones like lzma or even more mod ones like Zstandard instead.

  • Question

    Can I shrink big files and split them into small parts?

    Community Answer

    Yes, you lot can practice that using 7z or WinRAR.

  • Question

    How much tin l shrink a Windows ten file?

    Community Answer

    Files of any Os must not be compressed unless you really know what you are doing. It can go far so that your Os doesn't work well or even force you to reinstall information technology.

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Article Summary 10

1. Download and install 7-Cypher.
2. Right-click the file and click vii-Zip.
3. Click Add to archive.
4. Set ″compression level″ to Ultra.
5. Set ″dictionary size″ 10 times lower than your available memory.
6. Fix ″Solid block size″ to Solid.
seven. Click OK.

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