Compressed format refers to reducing the file's size using algorithms that eliminate redundancy or represent data more efficiently. When you export in a compressed format, your original file (like a document, image, or dataset) is processed by the software to create a smaller version. This differs from uncompressed exports, such as standard PDFs or BMP images, which retain full detail but are much larger. Common compressed formats include ZIP (for grouping multiple files), JPEG (for photos), and compressed PDFs.

Compressed exports are essential for efficient storage and sharing. For instance, you might save a folder of design files as a ZIP archive before emailing it to a client, significantly reducing attachment size. Similarly, photographers often export high-resolution photos as JPEG files (a compressed format) when uploading portfolios to websites or cloud platforms like Adobe Portfolio, ensuring faster upload and download times without visibly sacrificing quality for web viewing.

The primary advantage is drastically reduced file size, saving storage space and enabling faster transfers over networks or the internet. However, limitations exist: excessive compression (especially "lossy" types like JPEG) can permanently degrade quality, and recipients need compatible software to decompress or view files (e.g., opening a ZIP requires WinZip or 7-Zip). While cloud storage often handles compression automatically, direct export remains crucial for large transfers or archival where bandwidth and space are key considerations.