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How to Use Free Online LZ4 Compressor - Step by Step Guide

Step 1

Input Your Data

Let's get your data into the compressor! Whether you're working with text, JSON, XML, or any other format, LZ4 is an extremely fast compression algorithm that prioritizes speed over compression ratio. It's perfect for real-time compression in gaming, databases, and streaming applications. You have several convenient options:

Paste directly: Copy your text or data and paste it into the input editor
Upload a file: Click "Upload" to select a file from your computer
Try the sample: Click "Sample" to load example data and see how compression works

Example: Uncompressed JSON Input

Here's what sample JSON data looks like before compression:

{
  "game": "Cyber Arena 2077",
  "players": [
    {
      "id": "PLAYER-001",
      "score": 9850,
      "level": 47
    }
  ]
}
Step 2

Ultra-Fast Compression

The compression happens instantly! As soon as you input data, the tool automatically:

Compresses your data: Uses LZ4 algorithm for ultra-fast compression
Shows compression statistics: View original size, compressed size, and savings percentage
Provides instant feedback: See results in real-time as you type or upload

Example: Compression Results

After compression, you'll see the statistics:

Original Size
10.5 KB
Compressed Size
4.2 KB
Saved Space
60.0%
Step 3

Download or Copy Compressed Data

Get your compressed data ready for use! Multiple export options make it easy to integrate into your workflow:

Copy to clipboard: One-click copying for quick use in your applications
Download as file: Save as a .lz4 file for later use or sharing
Get base64 output: Perfect for embedding in APIs or databases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is LZ4 compression and how does it work?

LZ4 is an extremely fast compression algorithm that focuses on compression and decompression speed. It's widely used in gaming, databases (like Cassandra, MySQL), and real-time applications where speed is more important than achieving the highest compression ratio.

When should I use LZ4 instead of GZIP or Brotli?

Use LZ4 when speed is critical, such as in real-time gaming, live streaming, or database operations. While GZIP and Brotli offer better compression ratios, LZ4 can be 10-20x faster at compression and decompression, making it ideal for scenarios where performance matters most.

Is my data secure when using this tool?

Yes! All compression happens in your browser. Your data never leaves your computer or gets uploaded to any server. Complete privacy for your sensitive data.

How do I decompress a .lz4 file?

Use our LZ4 decompression tool to extract the original data. The process is reversible and preserves all your original content.

What applications use LZ4 compression?

LZ4 is used in many popular applications including Hadoop, Kafka, PostgreSQL, MySQL, Redis, Linux kernel, ZFS filesystem, and various gaming engines. Its speed makes it perfect for scenarios requiring real-time compression and decompression.

Can I compress game assets and logs with LZ4 for faster loading?

Absolutely! LZ4 is perfect for game assets, log files, and any data that needs fast compression. The ultra-fast decompression speed means minimal impact on load times, making it ideal for games and applications where responsiveness is critical.

How does LZ4 compression ratio compare to other algorithms?

LZ4 typically achieves 50-60% compression ratio, which is lower than GZIP (60-70%) or Brotli (70-80%), but its compression speed is 5-10x faster and decompression is 2-3x faster. This trade-off makes it excellent for real-time applications.

Can I use LZ4 compressed data in my database?

Yes! Many modern databases support LZ4 compression natively, including MySQL, PostgreSQL, Cassandra, and MongoDB. LZ4 compression can significantly reduce storage requirements while maintaining fast query performance due to its rapid decompression speed.