> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://compresto.app/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to compress video

> Reduce video file size while maintaining quality

## Quick Start

<Steps>
  <Step>
    Click on the selection panel, or drag and drop files/folders into it

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/Z4FNL_2JKBxzG7XW/images/image.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=Z4FNL_2JKBxzG7XW&q=85&s=c320f0b188a96e1453d412a87bb20756" alt="select files" width="2022" height="1574" data-path="images/image.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Adjust the video compression options

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/y-_RSz5HjTE_9S3J/images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.47.39@2x.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=y-_RSz5HjTE_9S3J&q=85&s=67f0cdd852f11b80bdecde4d2412ab0f" alt="video options" width="2010" height="1586" data-path="images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.47.39@2x.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    Press **Compress** to start

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/y-_RSz5HjTE_9S3J/images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.47.58@2x.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=y-_RSz5HjTE_9S3J&q=85&s=dc4b8204f8ad0e0b7dee4d4a086b2e44" alt="compress" width="1944" height="1514" data-path="images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.47.58@2x.png" />
  </Step>

  <Step>
    View compression results and open files in Finder

    <img src="https://mintcdn.com/compresto/y-_RSz5HjTE_9S3J/images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.48.54@2x.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=y-_RSz5HjTE_9S3J&q=85&s=c2b05df181a07da645ebf2a301f1d124" alt="results" width="1966" height="1526" data-path="images/CleanShot2025-12-29at10.48.54@2x.png" />
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Compression Options

### Video Quality

| Quality        | Description                       | Best For                    |
| -------------- | --------------------------------- | --------------------------- |
| **Highest**    | Maximum quality, larger files     | Archiving, professional use |
| **High**       | Excellent quality (default)       | General use                 |
| **Good**       | Good balance of quality and size  | Sharing online              |
| **Medium**     | Moderate compression              | Social media                |
| **Acceptable** | Higher compression, smaller files | Quick sharing, previews     |
| **File size**  | Target a specific file size       | Size-constrained uploads    |

<Note>
  When "File size" is selected, you can specify your target size in KB, MB, or GB. Compresto will adjust the quality to meet your target.
</Note>

### Video Resolution

| Resolution          | Description                                                       |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Same as input**   | Keep original resolution (default)                                |
| **4K (2160p)**      | 3840 x 2160 pixels                                                |
| **Full HD (1080p)** | 1920 x 1080 pixels                                                |
| **HD (720p)**       | 1280 x 720 pixels                                                 |
| **Max Width**       | Scale to a custom max width (preserves aspect ratio)              |
| **Max Height**      | Scale to a custom max height (preserves aspect ratio)             |
| **Max Long Edge**   | Scale the longer edge to a custom value (preserves aspect ratio)  |
| **Max Short Edge**  | Scale the shorter edge to a custom value (preserves aspect ratio) |

<Note>
  When using Max Width, Max Height, Max Long Edge, or Max Short Edge, you can enter a custom pixel value. The video will only be downscaled — if the source is already smaller than the specified value, the original resolution is kept.
</Note>

### Video Format

| Format            | Description                                                                                       |
| ----------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Same as input** | Keep original format (default)                                                                    |
| **MP4**           | Most compatible format, works everywhere                                                          |
| **WebM**          | Optimized for web, smaller file sizes                                                             |
| **MOV**           | Apple's format, good for macOS/iOS                                                                |
| **GIF**           | Convert video to animated GIF                                                                     |
| **MP3**           | Extract audio track as MP3 ([learn more](/guides/file-compression/how-to-extract-mp3-from-video)) |

### Additional Options

#### Remove Audio

Strip the audio track from videos to reduce file size. Useful for:

* Videos where audio isn't needed
* Creating silent background videos
* Reducing file size when audio quality doesn't matter

#### Preserve Transparency

For videos with alpha channels (transparent backgrounds), enable this option to maintain transparency in the output. Available for:

* WebM format (always enabled)
* MOV format with alpha channel

<Note>
  When preserving transparency, only Highest, Ultra HD, and Full HD quality options are available.
</Note>

## Converting Video to GIF

When you select GIF as the output format, additional options appear:

### FPS (Frames Per Second)

Adjust the frame rate of the GIF (10-50 fps). Lower FPS means smaller file size but choppier animation.

### GIF Quality

| Quality        | Description                |
| -------------- | -------------------------- |
| **Highest**    | Best quality, largest file |
| **High**       | Great quality (default)    |
| **Good**       | Good balance               |
| **Medium**     | Moderate quality           |
| **Acceptable** | Smallest file size         |

### GIF Dimension

Resize the GIF to reduce file size. Options include various percentage reductions or specific pixel widths.

## Tips for Best Results

* **For web use**: Choose "Good" quality and MP4 format for best compatibility
* **For social media**: Use "Medium" quality with appropriate resolution for the platform
* **For archiving**: Use "Highest" quality to preserve maximum detail
* **For file size limits**: Use the "File size" option to target a specific size
* **For silent videos**: Enable "Remove audio" to save additional space