How do you shrink a file size?

How to Shrink a File Size

• Answer:

  Smaller file sizes are essential to working efficiently. Even though computer storage and memory capacities are much larger than ever before, it is still prudent to use as little storage and memory as possible to preserve your computer's shelf life. If you work with large graphic files or huge databases, you can learn how to shrink file sizes with simple methods. Large files on Windows or Macintosh operating systems can easily be reduced through compression programs such as WinZip or through work habits that promote saving smaller files. Difficulty: Moderately Easy Instructions Reduce the size of all images in your files. For instance, when importing images into a brochure in a word processor, make sure that the original image files are reduced. This requires that you reduce each planned image first, before inserting the large version in the document and then resizing it. In the latter, resizing the image just changes how it is viewed not what size it is. Avoid using too many embedded objects in the document. Embedded objects such as spreadsheets, databases, presentation slides and simple-task programs called applets take up massive amounts of space. Consider using a screen shot of what you are trying to illustrate instead of embedding an object that needs another program to open while inside of your document. Clean up the document before saving a final copy. Eliminate any leftover images, text, formatting and unnecessary colors. Many programs such as Adobe Acrobat and Adobe Photoshop have an option to "reduce file size." In these cases, the software will automatically clean up the loose ends and make the document more efficient. Use a compression program such as Adobe Acrobat and WinZip to make the file size smaller. While Adobe Acrobat creates a snapshot image of a document, a program like WinZip "packages" the file and compresses the size. Compression programs work on most types of files created in image editors, word processors, spreadsheets, music and video editors and databases.