How Do I Compress an Existing Word Document?
- 1). Browse an online compression utility such as NippyZip, which stores archives in the Zip format. Using web software avoids downloads of programs that take up hard drive space and may contain malware. Zip up to 10 files at the same time, but you are limited to 5,024 KB per file. If you want to send the archive to an email address, do so directly from the site.
- 2). Download, install and run a free compressor like 7-Zip, which does not limit file sizes and can process files without connecting to the Internet. The utility stores documents in ZIP, TAR and GZ formats. It also features its own 7z format, which CNET found to be up to 40 percent smaller than a comparable ZIP file. Add password protection and make the archive self-extracting, so users do not need the original compressor to read the document. Finally, test the archive before distribution to ensure that it functions correctly.
- 3). Buy, install and run a commercial compressor such as WinZip. It stores to ZIP, LHA and ZIPX, a proprietary format that produces smaller files. A ribbon interface proves familiar to those using Microsoft 2007 products, and CD or DVD. File encryption with a password is available, with an option to delete files automatically after viewing. Finally, multiple archives go into logical groups of related files, for easier emailing and archiving. (REFERENCE 3)