How do I zip large files?

We get questions from time-to-time on zipping files, whether to upload to us or to send for radiology reports or surgical guide fabrication or whatever.

Compressing large files by turning them into .zip files allows them to load faster.  Generally we only bother zipping CT scan volumes (which can be 60 to 120MB in size) or batches of photos that exceed 10MB.  If you are just sending radiographs or a photo or two, don't bother zipping (although it wouldn't hurt anything).

To zip a file...

     1.  Find the file on your computer and right click it

     2.  Choose "Send To" and then "Compressed (Zipped) Folder"

It should show up in the current open folder as a .zip file.

     3.  Rename the file if you wish

If you are uploading a large file, whether zipped or not, it works best if it is on the current workstation you are sending it from.  If you are working across the network and the file is on a network drive in another computer, it will be slow as the file has to come across the network to your workstation before being sent out.  Copying the zipped file to your desktop before uploading will prevent this.