Two free tools shrink big files without sending them anywhere

Fast Company has a tip for anyone who has hit an email size limit: bookmark a free tool that makes big files smaller without sending them to a stranger's server. The outlet's pick is built around privacy, so your files stay in your hands while you shrink them.

Why this comes up

Sometimes you just need a smaller file and do not care about perfect quality. Fast Company gives two examples. One is a long video of your kid's school play that does not need to be kept in pristine 4K, a very sharp video format. The other is a PDF that is too big for your email provider's attachment limit.

Why privacy matters here

Many people shrink files by dropping them onto the first website a search turns up. That can mean handing private family videos or documents to a site you know nothing about. A trusted tool that keeps files in your own hands avoids that. Having one bookmarked also saves time when you are in a hurry.

What is not known yet

The material available here does not name the two tools. It also does not explain how they work, what limits they have, or how much smaller your files will get. Details on those points would need to come from the full Fast Company article.

What to do

• Check the size limit your email provider sets on attachments.
• Shrink a file only when lower quality is acceptable.
• Pick a tool you trust before uploading anything private.