How to Compress a File Using 7-Zip

In today's digital world, managing file size is crucial for saving storage space, speeding up file transfers, and organizing data efficiently. 7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver that provides a powerful way to compress files and folders into smaller sizes. Whether you're storing backups on your cloud server, sending files over email, or just organizing your data, mastering 7-Zip compression is a valuable skill.

In this knowledgebase article, Go4hosting guides you through the process of compressing files using 7-Zip on Windows, Linux, and command-line environments, ensuring you get the best results with this versatile tool.

What Is 7-Zip?

7-Zip is a popular file compression software developed by Igor Pavlov. It supports various archive formats including:

• 7z (its native format with high compression)
  

• ZIP
  

• GZIP
  

• TAR
  

• RAR (extraction only)
  

• And more
  

Key features of 7-Zip:

• High compression ratio, especially with the 7z format
  

• Supports AES-256 encryption for secure archives
  

• Free and open-source, with no licensing fees
  

• Available on Windows with graphical interface and command line; Linux users can use p7zip (the Unix port)
  

Why Use 7-Zip for Compression?

• Efficiency: Better compression rates than many other tools like WinRAR or built-in OS utilities.
  

• Security: Encrypt archives with strong AES-256 encryption.
  

• Flexibility: Supports splitting archives into multiple volumes, useful for large files.
  

• Free & Open Source: No cost or license restrictions.
  

• Cross-platform: Works well with Windows and Linux servers, including Go4hosting cloud and VPS environments.
  

How to Compress Files Using 7-Zip on Windows (GUI)

Step 1: Download and Install 7-Zip

• Visit 7-Zip official website
  

• Download the latest version for your Windows (32-bit or 64-bit)
  

• Run the installer and follow on-screen instructions
  

Step 2: Select Files/Folders to Compress

• Open File Explorer
  

• Navigate to the files/folders you want to compress
  

• Select one or multiple items
  

Step 3: Right-click and Choose 7-Zip

• Right-click the selection
  

• Hover over the 7-Zip option in the context menu
  

You will see options like:

• Add to archive...
  

• Add to "filename.7z"
  

• Compress and email...
  

Step 4: Configure Compression Settings (Optional)

Click Add to archive... to open the compression options dialog.

Key options:

• Archive format: Choose 7z for best compression or zip for compatibility.
  

• Compression level: Ranges from Store (no compression) to Ultra (maximum compression).
  

• Compression method: LZMA and LZMA2 offer best compression ratios.
  

• Split to volumes: Split archive into parts of specific size (e.g., 100MB).
  

• Encryption: Enter a password and select AES-256 encryption for security.
  

• Archive name: Change if needed.
  

Step 5: Click OK to Compress

After configuring, click OK to start compression.

The archive will be created in the same folder as the original files unless otherwise specified.

How to Compress Files Using 7-Zip on Windows (Command Line)

For power users or automation, 7-Zip's command-line interface is very useful.

Step 1: Open Command Prompt

• Press Win + R, type cmd, and press Enter.
  

Step 2: Navigate to 7-Zip Directory (if needed)

If 7-Zip is not added to your system PATH, navigate to its installation folder:

bash

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cd "C:\Program Files\7-Zip"

Step 3: Run 7z.exe to Compress

Basic syntax:

bash

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7z a archive_name.7z file_or_folder_to_compress

Example:

bash

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7z a backup.7z C:\Users\Meghali\Documents\project

This will compress the project folder into backup.7z.

Useful Command-Line Options

• -t7z : Specify archive type as 7z.
  

• -mx=9 : Set compression level to Ultra.
  

• -pPASSWORD : Set a password for encryption.
  

• -mhe=on : Encrypt file names inside the archive.
  

• -v100m : Split archive into 100 MB volumes.
  

Example with encryption and max compression:

bash

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7z a -t7z -mx=9 -pMySecretPassword -mhe=on backup_secure.7z C:\Users\Meghali\Documents\project

How to Compress Files Using 7-Zip on Linux (p7zip)

Linux users can use p7zip, the Unix port of 7-Zip.

Step 1: Install p7zip

On Debian/Ubuntu:

bash

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sudo apt-get update

sudo apt-get install p7zip-full

On CentOS/RHEL:

bash

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sudo yum install p7zip p7zip-plugins

Step 2: Compress Files or Directories

Basic syntax:

bash

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7z a archive_name.7z /path/to/file_or_folder

Example:

bash

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7z a backup.7z /home/meghali/project

Step 3: Advanced Options

• Compression level:
  

bash

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7z a -mx=9 backup.7z /home/meghali/project

• Password protect:
  

bash

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7z a -pMyPassword -mhe=on backup_secure.7z /home/meghali/project

Extracting Files from a 7-Zip Archive

Using GUI on Windows

• Right-click the archive
  

• Select 7-Zip > Extract Here or *Extract to folder_name*
  

Using Command Line

bash

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7z * archive_name.7z

Best Practices for Compressing Files Using 7-Zip

• Choose the right archive format: Use 7z for best compression, zip for compatibility.
  

• Use strong passwords and AES-256 encryption for sensitive data.
  

• Split large archives to manage transfer limits or storage constraints.
  

• Test archives after creation to ensure integrity.
  

• Automate with scripts in command line for backups on Go4hosting free cloud servers.
  

• Keep original files until archive verification is done.
  

Conclusion

7-Zip is a versatile and powerful tool for compressing files and folders, saving storage space, and securing your data with encryption. Whether you use its user-friendly graphical interface on Windows or powerful command-line options on Linux and Windows, 7-Zip offers excellent compression with minimal effort.

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