Buzz
For most Windows users, the concept of file compression and extraction is familiar. Many have wondered why downloaded files seem lightweight but unpack into heavier ones. This is because the file compressor employed techniques to minimize file size optimally. Similarly, with 7-Zip! Once you understand how to use 7zip, achieving optimal file compression becomes entirely feasible.
Best File Compression Tool - Utilize 7-Zip
Mastering File Compression with 7-Zip
Get the Ultimate 7-Zip Experience for Your PC or Laptop
Learn how to effortlessly install and utilize 7-Zip for file compression and extraction.
Unveiling the Art of File Compression: What Not to Compress (Unless Absolutely Necessary)
Avoid compressing already compressed file formats like .rar, .zip, .7z
ISO files housing compressed data such as .exe, .cab, .msi
Certain media file formats such as images and videos
Mastering 7-Zip: A Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: After downloading and installing 7-ZIP, locate the file or folder you wish to compress. Right-click on the file/folder -> select 7-Zip -> choose Add to archive...
To achieve optimal file compression with 7Z, customize settings according to the parameters illustrated below:
Further Explanation of Parameters:
- Archive format: Choose 7z for swift and robust compression.
- Compression level: The compression strength ranges from weak to strong. Higher compression levels consume more RAM and time.
+ Ultra: Highest compression level (Optimal)
+ Maximum: High compression level
+ Normal: Standard (Default)
+ Fast: Quick compression speed
+ Fastest: Fastest compression
+ Store: No compression
- Compression method: File compression algorithm used by 7-Zip
+ LZMA: Algorithm known for fast and powerful compression (Default)
+ LZMA2: LZMA upgrade, may be less compatible in some cases such as with WinRAR
+ PPMd: Primarily used for text files, offering fast and robust compression
+ BBzip2: Ideal for text files, providing high-speed compression and efficient compression
- Dictionary size: Amount of RAM used for compression and decompression. Larger sizes consume more RAM but offer stronger and faster compression.
+ Memory usage for Compressing: Compression
+ Memory usage for Decompressing: Decompression
- Word size: Higher values enhance compression capability. Thus, we opt for the maximum value.
- Solid Block Size: The level of compression hardness, the higher the number, the stronger the compression but with reduced compression speed. It does not affect RAM and is only used with the 7z standard. To achieve high compression levels, select Solid.
- Number of CPU Threads: The number of CPU cores involved in the compression process.
Additionally, you can set a password for the compressed file. After configuring, press OK to start.
The Compression Ratio indicates the degree of compression. Compression time depends entirely on your computer's configuration and available resources; there is no exact figure.
The image below depicts a result after compression:
Please note that when configuring as above, the settings are automatically saved. If you want to compress another file, you won't need to change these parameters again.
Through this article, we've learned how to use 7-Zip for file compression, as well as another trick to compress files to the lowest level while still ensuring the file's content. This file compression method is very useful for those who often share resources with the online community without consuming too much storage space.
If you don't fully understand how to use 7zip in English interface, you can change the language in 7 Zip following the instructions here to switch to Vietnamese for easier understanding. Then, grasping information and using 7-zip file compression will be much more intuitive and understandable. Wishing you success!
