File compression basics

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Overview

Almost all the files on the Nexus sites are compressed in to what are known as "archives". The file formats for these archives will be either .zip, .rar or .7z.

Benefits and reasons for file compression and archiving

Archives are beneficial for two reasons.

One file

File compression software packages multiple files in to one simple to use file. Instead of you having to download many different files you will only have to download a single file that contains all the other files within it. If the file author has packaged the archive correctly then all the files and folders will be in the proper structure and directories saving you a heck of a lot of time.

Reduced file size through compression

During the packaging phase the total file size of the archive should be reduced; sometimes by just a little and sometimes significantly depending on what type of files are being archived. It's not unheard of for file archives to be anywhere from 10% - 50% smaller in size than the sum total of all the files in the archive uncompressed.

Compression software and preferences

When it's all said and done, I prefer 7-zip over everything else. It has the best compression, it's free, the source code is freely available and you can decompress all archives and create 7z or zip archives.

If you want the best compression to save space, download and upload time, use the .7z format.

If you want the best speed during compression and best portability, use the .zip format. (good for small files so that even WinXP can open them)

The .rar format is simply a middle-of-the-road format.

Most common archive formats (2010)

  • Filetype extension: .7z*
  • Commonly referred to as: 7-zip (or SevenZip)
  • Program Web site: www.7-zip.com, File Mirror + Documentation @ TESNexus
  • Cost: FREE
  • License: Open Source, GPL
  • Compression: Best
  • Portability: To extract files in this format, each use must have 7-zip or the latest version of WinRAR
  • Native Support in Windows XP?: No


  • Filetype extension: .rar
  • Commonly referred to as: RAR
  • Program web site: www.rarlabs.com
  • Cost: $30
  • License: Trialware
  • Compression: Better than OK
  • Portability: To extract files in this format, each user must have WinRAR, 7-zip, or simular compatible program.
  • Native Support in Windows XP?: No


  • Filetype extension: .zip
  • Commonly referred to as: Zip
  • Program Web Site: www.winzip.com
  • Cost: $35
  • License: Trialware
  • Compression: OK
  • Portability: This format has been around so long that just about every program that deals with compression can handle it.
  • Native Support in Windows XP?: Yes

Compression size comparison

  • Oblivion Mod to compress: Apophis: Armory of the Silver Dragon 0.9.3
  • Oblivion Mod uncompressed size: 151 MB


  • Archive Program: 7-Zip v4.65
  • Compression Setting: Maximum
  • Time to Compress: 0 minute, 33 seconds
  • Time to Decompress: 0 minute, 5 seconds
  • Final compressed size: 55.5 MB


  • Archive Program: WinZip v14.5
  • Compression Setting: Best Compression (non-compatible)
  • Time to Compress: 0 minute, 59 seconds
  • Time to Decompress: 0 minute, 7 seconds
  • Final compressed size: 63.2 MB


  • Archive Program: WinRAR v3.93
  • Compression Setting: Best
  • Time to Compress: 0 minute, 13 seconds
  • Time to Decompress: 0 minute, 3 seconds
  • Final compressed size: 74.5 MB


  • Archive Program: WinZip v14.5
  • Compression Setting: Legacy (Zip 2.0 compatible)
  • Time to Compress: 0 minute, 40 seconds
  • Time to Decompress: 0 minute, 4 seconds
  • Final compressed size: 75.5 MB


NOTE: The above results were from using the 32-bit versions of the programs on a Windows 7, 64-bit operating system.

Related pages

Reference

LHammonds Oblivion Mods Site