How to Make an AVI File Smaller
The most common type of video file format is one with a .AVI file extension. Other than the DVD or Blue-ray format, .AVI files have the best picture quality. Because of this, .AVI files are known to be somewhat larger than most. However, if you need to make the file smaller to fit on an external device or a disc with limited memory, there are a couple of things you can do.
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Instructions
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Download or buy a file compressor program. Using this type of program, you can shrink the size of any file; however, the more you compress the file, the worse the video quality will be. You can download a quality free file compressor from the Softpedia website or the Give Away of The Day website.
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Install and open the program to your computer. Once the program is open, drag the file you want to compress into the program by holding down the left mouse button on the file and dragging the mouse into the center of the program window. Choose the level of compression you would like the program to use to shrink the file. You can choose between a level of 1 to 9; however, anything higher than a level 3 and you may see a very noticeable change in picture quality. Click the "Compress" button and wait for the process to finish.
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Download or purchase a video converter to keep the video quality the same and simply convert the file into a different format. The Softpedia or the dvdvideosoft website both offer a free quality video converter program for download.
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Go through the install process by following the onscreen instructions. Make a note of each page of the installation, as one section will ask if you want to install these additional plug-in programs. The boxes will already be highlighted, so if you just press next, it will automatically install the additional programs. Make sure you uncheck the box if you do not want the extra plug-ins. These plug-ins are safe; there are no viruses or anything wrong will letting them install, some people just do not want to waste the extra space on their hard drive.
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Open the video converter program. Locate the "Input" window and click the button directly next to it that says "Browse." Search your hard drive, and click on the file you want to convert. Click the pulldown window where it says "Format," and select a different format to convert the file into. M4a and FLV are both formats that will make the file smaller; there may also be an option of a "Good Quality AVI" file. This will also shrink the file slightly; however, there will be a barely noticeable drop in picture quality. Click the "Convert" button and wait for the process to finish.
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