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How to compress various video files and reduce video file size
How to compress various video files and reduce video file size
Updated over 9 months ago
  1. Open QuickTime:

    • Navigate to your Applications folder.

    • Locate and open the QuickTime Player.

  2. Load Your Video:

    • Click on File in the menu bar at the top of the screen.

    • Select Open File from the dropdown menu.

    • Choose and open the video file you want to make smaller.

  3. Initiate Export:

    • Once the video is open, click File again in the menu bar.

  4. Export Options:

    • Select Export As from the dropdown menu. This will open the export options.

  5. Choose Size Options:

    • In the export options, you'll see a list of size options. Choose the appropriate size for your compressed video.

      • Options usually include 4k (if applicable), 1080p, 720p, and 480p.

  6. Adjust Settings (if available):

    • QuickTime may not offer extensive settings, but if there are any additional options, configure them according to your preferences.

  7. Save the Compressed Video:

    • Choose the destination where you want to save the compressed video.

    • Click Save to start the compression process.

  8. Wait for Compression:

    • QuickTime will compress the video based on your selected settings. The time this takes depends on the size and complexity of the original video.

  9. Verify the Result:

    • Once the compression is complete, play the compressed video in QuickTime to ensure the quality meets your expectations.

  10. Done:

    • Your video is now compressed and saved in the chosen size. You can use this smaller version as needed.

QuickTime is native to macOS, so this method is specific to Mac operating systems.


  1. Open HandBrake:

    • Launch the HandBrake application.

  2. Load Your Video:

    • Click on the Open Source button in the top-left corner of the HandBrake window.

    • Navigate to and select the video file you want to compress.

    • Click Open to load the video into HandBrake.

  3. Choose Preset:

    • On the right side of the HandBrake window, you'll find a preset selection.

    • Choose a preset that corresponds to your compressed video's desired size or quality. HandBrake includes presets for 1080p, 720p, and 480p options.

  4. Adjust Settings (if needed):

    • If you want more control over the compression settings, you can tweak various parameters such as video codec, bitrate, and dimensions.

    • Click on the Video and Dimensions tabs to access these settings.

  5. Select Output Destination:

    • Choose where to save the compressed video by clicking the Browse button under the Destination section.

  6. Start Encoding:

    • Once configuring the settings, click the Start Encode button at the top of the HandBrake window.

  7. Wait for Encoding:

    • HandBrake will begin encoding and compressing your video according to the settings.

    • The time required for encoding depends on the size and complexity of the original video.

  8. Verify the Result:

    • After the encoding, you can play the compressed video using a media player to ensure the quality meets your expectations.

  9. Done:

    • Your video is compressed and saved in the selected size or preset. You can use this smaller version as needed.

HandBrake is a cross-platform application, so this procedure applies to most operating systems such as Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Explore additional settings in HandBrake for more advanced customization based on your preferences.


For further assistance, contact us through chat or send us an email at support@webinar.net.

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