File Compression Basics

When uploading your files to the internet, it is best to compress them for an easier and safer transmission. Compressing your files will make larger files smaller and help prevent the chances of your files being corrupted as they are uploaded.

If you are sending several files as part of one project, it's best to put all files into one folder and compress that one folder.

File Compression Using Windows™ and Vista™:

To compress a folder or file, just right click, then click "Send To", and select "Compress (zipped) Folder." This will automatically create a zip folder in the same directory as the file (if the file is on the desktop, the zip file will be on the desktop).

To decompress, or extract a folder, right click and select “Extract All." The folder will be extracted as a separate file in the same directory.

File Compression Using Mac™ OSX 10.4 and Up:

To compress a folder or file, hit Ctrl + click (or right click if you have a 2 button mouse).

For users using 10.4, it will look like this:

For users using 10.5, it will look like this:

To extract a compressed file in OSX, double click the compresed file and Archive Utility will automatically extract the folder as a separate file.

File Compression Using Stuffit Deluxe on Mac:

You can download Stuffit Deluxe for your Mac by clicking here.

• Place all your files in one folder.
• Select that folder and drag and drop it onto the DropStuff icon on your desktop.
• If you are prompted by a dialog box, simply click "not yet".
• A ".sit" (or stuffed) file will be created on your desktop.

File Compressions Using WinZip on PC:

You can download WinZip for your PC by clicking here.

• Place all your files in one folder.
• Select that folder, right-mouse-click, and pull down to "Add to (file name).zip".
• If you are prompted by a dialog box, click "Agree".
• A ".zip" (or zipped) file will be created.