How do you compress a 25 MB file to the smallest size possible?

Question

So far I've been able to compress it to 18 MB, but for some reason, it's not going through the mail even if the limit's 20 MB. Not to mention it took forever to attatch the file in the email only to find out it's not possible.

Is there any other way I can compress the file to a smaller size? I have WinZip and WinRar, but so far the smallest I've gotten is 18 MB. Or are there any SIMPLE alternatives for uploading files online so other people can download it for free?

I'm trying to compress a .PSD file - a photoshop file.

Answer 1

it is likely that your Photoshop document can only be squashed so much until you lose part of it. it's like anything digital: you can try to reduce the size of the file, but there's only so much you can do before you start to seriously lose quality.

now if you want to share the PSD file so that others can edit it, there isn't much that you can do, other than using maximum compression on it with a program like WinRAR, without corrupting the file somehow.

if you just want to show the Photoshop image to other people, and they won't need use of the PSD layers or modify anything at all on the picture, start by saving it with a new name and flattening the image in the new file, which can be done using the 'image' pull-down menu. Then save your image as a JPG, which is much smaller than a PSD, but usually looks just as good. I'd recommend that when you save your file, you save optimized for the web whenever possible (in stead of File / Save chose File / Save As..., or use the shortcut "ALT+CTRL+S"), such as what can be done in Photo-shop. save the files cropped (so that they're smaller and only show the important elements) and with the lowest resolution (quality) that you can be satisfied with. that's one way in which a files size can be reduced.

WinRAR is the best program to do the job of compressing it, and when you set it to highest compression/lowest speed you can't get those files any smaller than that without making the files themselves smaller, deleting some files, or both. It simply isn't possible.

You could of course right click on the file and select "Create WinRAR archive" but set it to treat the file like you want to put it on a bunch of floppy disks. Simple select "Split file" and choose the 1.22 Mb option, or customize it for a different size. Each individual download afterward will use less space and take less time to load, but of course the total size will be about the same as usual, but at least you get to upload the smaller RAR parts.

So the most simple way to share files from my experience is upload them to a site such as http://orbitfiles.com or http://rapidshare.com and publishing your files on-line so that you can give other people the Internet address to access your download links.

You'll need to sign up for an account with orbit files, but it takes a very short time. What's really great about orbit files is that it will give you, if I remember correctly, an entire GIGABYTE of upload space!

Answer 2

It is all based on the file itself. You can't be sure what kind of compression is allowable on the files you are compressing until you try different methods. as for it fitting through the 20mb limit but showing 18, that is normally because the actual files size - show (actual) - is over 20mb.

Answer 3

Psd Compression

Answer 4

Quit. Use www.yousendit.com.

Rather than spending a lot of time cutting and squeezing it, just upload once and send a link for the download. It's free for 100MB and probably as many recipients as you will need. Pay a little bit and get larger limits and more recipients.

Answer 5

Always when I post a question, even if it is the simplest one, nobody can give me a proper informed answer . What happened to people who really make the effort to write an answer?

Answer 6

If your looking for just a place to upload your file for someone else use www.rapidshare.com. www.yousendit.com is a total waste of time.. requires sign up.

Answer 7

It depends on what it is. Images don't compress as easily as text.

Answer 8

Split the file up - Many programs can do this

Answer 9

I was wondering the same thing myself yesterday

Answer 10

the only way i know of is to break it into two parts! winzip or winrar should do it!