CompactGUI is a user-friendly application that brings the functionality of file compression to a graphical interface, leveraging the Win32API to compress files and folders efficiently. While it is often compared to compact.exe, a command-line tool in Windows, CompactGUI is not simply a front-end for it. Instead, it provides an intuitive GUI-based experience for achieving the same goal – reducing the size of files and folders without impacting their usability.
How does CompactGUI work?
CompactGUI is particularly useful for compressing folders containing games, large applications, or data-intensive programs. By doing so, it can significantly reduce their storage footprint while ensuring they remain fully functional. This makes it an excellent tool for users who have hundreds of gigabytes of games or software installed but are running low on available storage.
The interface is straightforward and designed for ease of use. Users start by selecting the folder they want to compress. Once a folder is chosen, CompactGUI provides customization options, such as selecting the compression mode (LZX, EXPRESS 16K, EXPRESS 8K, EXPRESS 4K), skipping poorly compressible file types, excluding user-submitted file types, or enabling folder monitoring for future changes. It also displays the current and estimated compressed size of the folder, allowing users to make informed decisions before proceeding. The compression process is initiated with a simple click of the Compress button.
After completion, CompactGUI visually presents the results with colored vertical bars and a percentage of size reduction, making it easy to gauge the effectiveness of the compression. Users can then choose to uncompress the folder (in case not satisfied by the compression) or start a new compression cycle.
Relevance in today’s age
In an era where storage devices like HDDs, SSDs, M.2 drives, and NVMe drives are increasingly affordable, and cloud storage is readily accessible, one might question the need for a tool like CompactGUI. However, it remains highly relevant for several reasons:
- Efficient use of storage: Even with large storage capacities, frequent downloads of high-resolution media, games, and software can quickly consume space. CompactGUI helps users reclaim significant storage without deleting valuable content.
- No loss of functionality: Unlike traditional compression tools, CompactGUI ensures that compressed files remain accessible and functional, eliminating the need for manual decompression.
- Performance considerations: Compression may have a negligible impact on performance, as modern CPUs handle these tasks efficiently. The slight trade-off can often be offset by the reduced storage load and improved file organization.
Conclusion
CompactGUI is a practical tool for managing storage, offering both convenience and effective compression without compromising functionality. Its easy-to-use interface and powerful capabilities make it a valuable addition to any PC user’s toolkit.
You can download CompactGUI from https://github.com/IridiumIO/CompactGUI.