What Is Compressed in My iTunes Folder?

You can store compressed and uncompressed files within the same iTunes library.

When you compress an iTunes library folder, you are provided a zipped version of your music files in one place. Compressed files are small by nature, and will require less of your hard drive's space. Individual files within the iTunes library may also be compressed to conserve space on your hard drive.

Compressed File Formats

iTunes will accept songs in multiple file types, some of which are compressed and some of which are uncompressed. A compressed file is smaller, and will occupy less space on your computer hard drive and your iPod or iPhone. Compressed songs also drain less battery on your iPod, as they don't require the device to refresh its cache as much as uncompressed song files do. Compressed file types include MP3 and AAC.

Converting Individual Songs

If your song file is uncompressed, it is possible to convert it to a compressed file, either at the time it is uploaded to iTunes or after it is in your iTunes library. To change the format of your song files, visit the "Edit" tab on your iTunes window and choose "Preferences" from the drop-down menu. Go to "General" and then "Import Settings," and choose a compressed file type, like MP3. After returning to your iTunes library, highlight a song and go to the "Advanced" tab; choose "Create MP3 Version" to convert the songs. All songs imported to your library in the future will automatically be put in MP3 format.

Zipped Folders

Zipped folders are a collection of compressed files. A zipped folder is a convenient way to store files, or transfer a group of files to another person via email or flash drive. When an entire folder is zipped, its contents cannot be opened; in the case of an iTunes folder, the individual songs cannot be played while the folder is zipped. Once a folder is unzipped, the files are restored to their original format and available for play.

Compressing the iTunes Folder

To zip your iTunes folder, navigate to the iTunes folder on your computer hard drive
-- typically located in the "Music" library on the "C" drive -- and right-click on it. Choose "Send to" from the right-click menu and then select "Compressed (zipped) folder." A copy of your iTunes folder will appear on your computer desktop in compressed form. The folder can be unzipped in the future by right-clicking on it and selecting "Extract All" from the menu.

References

• Apple: iTunes 10 for Windows--Save a Copy of a Song in a New File Format