# Compression

## Understanding compression

Compression is the process of reducing the size of data before it is stored in a backup. It minimizes storage usage and can improve transfer speed by decreasing the amount of data that needs to be written or transmitted.

In **GitProtect**, compression is enabled by default to reduce the time needed to transfer backup copies to storage and to minimize the storage space needed to keep them.

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## Configuring compression settings

Compression can be enabled when creating a new backup plan in the **Management Service**. You can find it in the backup plan's advanced settings (**Advanced settings** > **Edit** > toggle the **Compression** option to enable it).

Unlike encryption, compression settings can also be adjusted in an already existing backup plan.

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#### Depending on the type of data being backed up, you can choose between two compression algorithms:

1. **LZ4** — fast compression with a reasonable compression ratio.
2. **ZStandard** — lossless compression algorithm, used in **GitProtect** by default.

#### And also three compression levels:

1. **Normal** — compression is faster, but the data takes more storage space.
2. **Medium** — the most optimal level with the best balance between processing time and storage space usage; used by default.
3. **High** — compression takes longer, but the data requires less storage space after compression.