How to Reduce MP3 File Size

MP3 files are one of the myriad ways of file compression for audio storage. They are considerably smaller than files such as WAV, which are audio storage files without much compression. There are methods available to further reduce the size of MP3 files without changing them much.

For a Mac:

• Open the finder window and locate the folder in which your MP3 is located.


• Select and right click on the MP3 file name.


• Select the option which says compress file (with the name of the file). You will receive the compressed form of your file in the finder window.

For a PC:              

• Download WinZip or another file compression program; they usually offer a free trial version though an upgrade may be required later.


• Install and open the program (for instance WinZip).


• Select the option Wizard from the tool bar.


• Select the option which allows you to create a new zip file.


• Name the file and add MP3 files to WinZip when prompted.


• Click on the "zip now" button once finished.

Compression during import:

• Creation of smaller MP3s is possible when downloading from a CD; this can be done by navigating to iTunes, then choosing import settings in the preferences tab.


• Choose custom setting, and MP3 encoder as the channel for importing. In this choose the VBR (Variable Bitrates Encoding) as medium or lower.


• Then lower the sample rate, or switch it to auto on its drop down menu.


• Change the stereo setting to mono, which will decrease the file size. This also means the sound will lack depth, so this format is advised only as a drop down option for your file size.


• Press okay after the step to import your music.