Archive Format Advisor
Choose a practical archive format based on file count, total package size, compression priority, compatibility requirements, and whether encryption is mandatory.
How to use the recommendation
This tool is meant for operational defaults, not strict compliance guidance. Use it to standardize a starting format for exports, support bundles, media handoffs, and archival packaging.
- Prefer ZIP when recipients may be non-technical or on mixed operating systems.
- Prefer TAR.GZ when packaging many files for Unix-like workflows or larger bundles.
- Prefer 7Z when you care most about compression efficiency or encrypted delivery.
What the inputs represent
File count and total package size give the advisor a rough packaging profile. Compression priority and compatibility indicate whether convenience or efficiency should dominate the choice.
- Large average file size often reduces the value of container simplicity alone.
- High compatibility usually means other teams should be able to open the archive without extra tooling.
- Encryption requirements can justify a format that is less universal but more predictable operationally.