How to compress files in winrar. Compressing files in WinRar - how to do it as efficiently as possible. Video to help

Don't know how to compress a folder with files in ZIP? You've come to the right place! Read this article - and you will learn how to do it quickly, simply, and effectively.

-mail there is not always a chance that they will reach the recipient. Firstly, many email services have restrictions, and it is not always possible to send even files weighing 100 MB. Secondly, if the user’s traffic is charged (and this is not uncommon even these days - for example, on the mobile Internet), every megabyte counts. And when the data is well packaged, you can save a little on sending.

Let's figure out how to archive content into a folder with a ZIP extension. Why zip? Because this is the most popular type of archives. In addition, even standard Windows tools support it.

Archive in ZIP using OS WINDOWS

You can apply this compression on personal computers running different versions of Windows. The standard capabilities of the Microsoft OS involve the creation of zip archives.

  • Select the file/folder that you want to archive and right-click. A system window will appear
  • Do you see the Send item? Hover over and then click on “Compressed Zip Folder”:

  • As soon as you click on it, compression will start:

  • The zipped file/folder will appear next to the original in ZIP format:

  • Do you think there will be more explanations on how to make a ZIP archive in the traditional way? Nothing of the kind - at this point the procedure can be considered complete. Does it allow for significant compression of information? Judge for yourself. The size of the original folder with files is 6.26 MB, after compression it is 5.15 MB.

Archiving in ZIP using the WinRAR program

If you compress bulk materials and want to do it as efficiently as possible, you should use the help of special utilities. For example, WinRAR is very popular in our country.

By the way, it not only quickly and efficiently compresses materials, but can also be used completely free of charge. So let's get started!

  • After WinRAR has been installed on your computer, right-click on the selected files. You immediately see 4 new items with images of packed books. We are interested in the first item “Add to archive”:

In the window that appears, there is a wonderful opportunity to configure the following parameters:

  • Format. Which format should you prefer? The choice is yours, but when you need ZIP, it is also in the list of extensions.
  • Update method. For example, you can select "With replacement".
  • Compression type. The higher the quality, the more time it will take to work. But the result will be maximum.
  • Access to the file (setting a password, if necessary).

The WinRAR program also offers several additional parameters. For example, archiving in the background, turning off the PC after archiving is completed, creating a backup copy, adding a comment, and so on.

  • And don't forget to click "OK" to start the process:

  • It is quite expected that our compressed file will appear in the folder next to the original:

As you can see, there were no issues with archiving files here either.

Archiving using 7ZIP

And here is the third way to process files, which comes down to archiving materials using 7zip. Many users will agree with the statement that it is one of the most advanced archivers today. There is only one drawback - this program does not create RAR archives. But since you and I are interested in the ZIP format, the application is just right for us.

  • Download 7ZIP from our website. After installing the software, the 7-Zip item will appear in the context menu. He will help us archive the necessary files.

  • Select “Add to archive”. It will help us launch the settings window. As is the case with WinRAR, it is possible to specify the compression level, password, and make other settings. To start archiving, simply click “OK”.

We looked at 3 ways to archive files in ZIP format. Now you can not only do this without outside help, but also teach this simple craft to your friends. We wish you pleasant use!

Not all users often need to reduce the size of some files. Those who regularly compress files use either special archive programs like WinZip or WinRAR, or software for specific document formats. If such actions need to be carried out extremely rarely, a more suitable option would be to work with the appropriate web services.

The most common resources of this kind are image optimizers and online archivers. The former compress graphic documents in size for more convenient sending and placement on websites. The latter allow you to pack any files into archives with a certain degree of compression, thereby reducing their initial volume.

Method 1: Online Converting

One of the most functional representatives of web archivers. The service offers a choice of six final formats and the same number of compression levels. At the same time, the tool allows you not only to pack files, but also to convert one archive into another.

Archiving documents in Online Converting does not take much time: the service quickly processes even very large files.

Method 2: ezyZip

A simple online application that allows you to create and open zip archives. The service packs files very quickly, since it does not upload them to the server, but processes them directly in the browser, using the power of your computer.


This resource cannot be called a full-fledged online archiver, because it runs locally as a browser-based HTML5/JavaScript application and does its work using the resources of your computer. However, it is precisely this feature that makes ezyZip the fastest of all the solutions discussed in the article.

Method 3: Online Convert

A popular resource for converting files from one format to another. The service also offers a simple tool for compressing any files into archival documents, although it markets this as conversion to TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, 7Z or ZIP.


Unfortunately, the maximum file size you can import into Online Convert is 100 megabytes. To work with larger documents, the service requires you to purchase a subscription. Also, although the resource copes with archiving without problems, the degree of compression of packed files leaves much to be desired.

Method 4: Optimizilla

This tool is designed specifically for optimizing JPEG and PNG images. The service uses advanced graphics compression algorithms, allowing you to reduce the size of the image to the minimum possible level with or without loss in quality.


The resource in no way limits the size of the source images and the number of processed files per unit of time. Also, the service stores downloaded images for no more than 1 hour.

Method 5: iLoveIMG

A simple and convenient service for compressing JPG, PNG and GIF graphic files. Compression is performed with a maximum reduction in the original volume of images and without loss of quality.


The service is absolutely free and has no restrictions on the number and size of files uploaded to it.

Large files take up a lot of space on your computer. In addition, transmitting them via the Internet takes considerable time. To minimize these negative factors, there are special utilities that can compress objects intended for transmission over the Internet, or archive files for sending by mail. One of the best programs for archiving files is the WinRAR application. Let's take a step-by-step look at how to compress files in WinRAR.

Creating an archive

In order to compress files, you need to create an archive.

After we have opened the WinRAR program, we find and select those files that should be compressed.

After this, right-click to initiate a context menu call and select the “Add files to archive” option.

At the next stage, we have the opportunity to configure the parameters of the created archive. Here you can choose its format from three options: RAR, RAR5 and ZIP. Also in this window you can select the compression method: “No compression”, “High-speed”, “Fast”, “Normal”, “Good” and “Maximum”.

It should be taken into account that the faster the archiving method is chosen, the lower the compression ratio will be, and vice versa.

Also in this window you can select the location on the hard drive where the finished archive will be saved, and some other parameters, but they are used quite rarely, mainly by advanced users.

After all the settings are set, click on the “OK” button. That's it, a new RAR archive has been created, and therefore the source files are compressed.

As you can see, the process of compressing files in the WinRAR program is quite simple and intuitive.

Let's say you need to send a file over the network or upload it to removable media. It’s one thing if it’s just a Word file of 10-15 kb in size, and another is a selection of their 200 photographs weighing 3.5 gigabytes. With such files you need to carry out additional manipulations. For example, break them into parts or archive them. The better you compress the files (without losing quality, of course), the better. For such purposes, it is customary to use special programs called archivers.

How to compress a large file: detailed instructions

Our detailed guide will help you significantly reduce one or more files, compressing them to the desired size. So let's get started.

Selecting a program and installing it

If your computer does not yet have an archiver in its arsenal of applications, we recommend installing it for full functionality. The WinRAR application is very popular among Russian-speaking users. It is shareware, but even after the trial period you can continue to use it. In Europe and the USA, Internet users still prefer WinZIP. There is also a “golden mean” 7-ZIP, which competes with these two archivers.

You can also download other archiver programs on our website. All of them are carefully selected and sorted, so you immediately receive a useful, high-quality product.

Starting archiving: disassembly using the WinRAR program as an example

Select one or more files to compress. After installation, the program itself will appear in Windows Explorer. Therefore, there is no need to launch the application and try to find the content you need. Select it, right-click and select one of the items related to archiving.

For example, you have one file and it's called BigShark. Then click on the line “Add BigShark to archive”. The archiver will begin compressing the file using the default settings. The packed archive will appear in the same folder.

Setting details

But if you click “Add to archive” in the menu, a window with settings will open. And here you can already dream up! You can set the compression level in the “General” tab (the “Compression method” heading). The program will offer you one of six options. The better the files are compressed, the longer it will take to archive. To start the procedure, simply click “OK”.

“Add to archive” function

It is also possible to set the name of the future archive, select the format and compression method. Some people choose RAR, others Zip. The right to choose remains yours. In the “Compression Method” menu, select “Maximum”.

How do I set my own compression options? Find the Advanced/Compression Options/NTFS Options tab. A dialog box will open in which you can fine-tune the compression settings.


Compression options

Separating the archive - how to compress the file correctly

Some archivers that compress content can split the archive into 3 or more parts. This will be useful for those who work with very large files. For example, the videos themselves are already compressed to the maximum. Therefore, even the most powerful archiver will not bring you the expected result.

But you can create a multi-volume archive, that is, split one large file into separate components. After sending them over the network or copying them to removable media, you can reassemble the content into the original file.

Select "Add to Archive/Split into Volumes". You will also need to specify the maximum partition for each archive. For example, if you install 500 MB, and the file weighs 2200 MB, you will get 5 parts: four 500 MB and one 200 MB. Of course, due to compression, the volume will be less.


How to split a large archive into parts

Compressing a large video with a converter

Try converting the video to another format. For example, using the convenient VideoMASTER program. Then everything is simple: select “Add/Formats” in the working window. Both mp 4 and 3gp are suitable for a mobile device. All that remains is to decide on the destination folder and compress the file with the “Convert” command. The result is a much smaller video.

How to compress video using the VideoMaster program (video)

When the question arises of how to compress a large file, in reality everything turns out to be much simpler. You just need a suitable program, a little free time and basic setup. We hope that reading the article helped you cope with maximum compression and achieve the desired result.

I think each of us has more than once encountered the need to send a large file, say, by email, or dump it on an external drive. I will definitely not open America for anyone if I say that this can be done thanks to existing archivers, in particular, WinRar, which we will talk about today. However, not everyone knows about the various nuances that will help answer the question more efficiently and quickly: “how to compress in winrar?”

Archiving files using WinRar

The WinRar program is very simple, even a novice user can use it, everything in it is accessible and intuitive. The first thing you need to do is download the archiver on the Internet and then install it. Next, select the required file, say, we need to compress the folder in winrar. Right-click on it and look for the line “Add to archive.”

After this, a window automatically opens in which you need to select archiving parameters, archive format, etc., in principle, it is not necessary to change anything, you can leave it as is.

Please note that if you want to create an archive consisting of many parts (volumes), then at the very bottom, in the “Divide into volumes by size (in bytes)” column, you need to put the required number. If you need one file, then leave this line blank. Another nuance: in the rar format the file is compressed more strongly than in the zip format, which means it takes longer.

You can also set your own compression options using the Advanced tab. In it you will find the “Compression Options” button, and then select by tick what you need, for example, compression algorithm, compression of full graphics, etc.

Data protection from unauthorized access

It is noteworthy that, if necessary, you can protect the archived file from attacks. So, it is possible, without the correct indication of which there will be no unzipping. To do this, in the same settings window, go to the “Advanced” tab. There is a button “Set password”, click and enter the desired password. If you do not want to adjust any more parameters, click “OK”, thereby starting the archiving process.

Well, that’s all, I think that we have figured out the question “how to compress a file in winrar”. But the question of how to extract files from a WinRar archive is described in this . All this knowledge will allow you to significantly save space on your computer or external media, as well as transfer large files on the Internet. From now on, compressing a video in winrar or any other file is not a problem for you at all.

Video to help