How do I compress a video?

Often video files are large and can cause long video upload times. If your video is larger than 1G, you may want to compress it. Below is a list of tools that you can use to aid in compressing your video. 

HandBrake (Downloadable)

• Compressing with Handbrake
• Click the link above to install and compress files using HandBrake, which does not require any paid membership.
• Launch HandBrake by quickly clicking twice (double-clicking) on the cocktail & pineapple icon. Depending on your system settings, a single click may suffice.
• HandBrake calls the video you already have the “Source”.
• Select the “Open Source” button on the toolbar to browse your files for a video to open. You may also drag your “Source” video onto HandBrake’s main window.
• Some “Sources” may contain more than one video clip, or a collection of “Titles”. Use HandBrake’s “Title” control to select which video clip you want to use.
• Some “Sources” have only one Title. Blu-ray and DVD “Sources” often have multiple “Titles”.
• HandBrake provides a number of settings “Presets” to make your new video work well with your playback devices and software.
• The default “Fast 1080p30” preset is often a good choice because it’s fast and compatible with most devices. Under Format check the Web Optimized box.
• “Presets” can affect compatibility (whether your video will work with your devices and software) and encoding time.
• The “Destination” is where your new video will go. You can select the “Browse…” button to choose a different location and name, or type it directly in the box.
• Please take special care to note your destination. Otherwise, you may not be able to find your new video. You can move it later if you desire.
• Select the “Start” button on the toolbar to make your new video.
• HandBrake will report its progress while it’s working and alert you when it’s finished. Then you will have a new video file at the “Destination” you specified.

Compressing with Windows Movie Maker (PC Only - not available on some newer versions of Windows)

Compressing large video files takes several minutes. Ensure you've left yourself enough time before your video is due for submission and that you have other things to do while the video uploads.

• Open Windows Movie Maker
• Click Add Videos and Photos. Add your file. It may take a few minutes to upload.
• Click file > save movie > save for computer. Depending on the size of your file, it may take several minutes to save.

iMovie (MacOS)

• If you have a Mac computer, here is a quick, free, and easy way to compress a video file with iMovie, which should come installed on your Mac computer (Laptop or Desktop). This should take your video file and make it about one half its original size or smaller depending on what options you choose.
• Begin by right-clicking the icon of your video. This should pull open a menu. Click "Get Info", and a window will pop up with a bunch of different information about your file.
• NOTE: The next steps may be slightly different depending on which version of iMovie you have.
  • Open iMovie
  • Find the "Projects" ("Library" for some, older versions) menu, and hit the "+" button in the upper left hand corner.
  • Select the "Movie" option.
  • Choose a theme or "No Theme".
  • Choose what you want the file to be named.
  • In the upper left-hand corner of the iMovie window hit the button with the downward facing arrow.
  • OR
  • Click the "Import Media" button.
  • Either double-click the file you want, or click it once and then hit "Import All".
  • Click and drag anywhere on the video strip until a yellow box appears.
  • Adjust the size of the box until it covers the section of video you want.
  • Drag the selected section of video into the large gray area at the bottom of the window.
  • In the upper right-hand corner of the window click the button with a box with and arrow sticking out of it and then click "File".
  • OR
  • In the menu bar of your computer click File > Share > File…
  • In the menu, choose the settings you want. Lower Resolution and Quality make a smaller sized file, while higher Resolution and Quality make for a larger sized file.
  • Click "Next...".
  • Give the file the name you want.
  • Change where you want to save the file.
  • Click "Save".