# Compress TAR.BZ2

> Compress Bzipped Tar Archive (TAR.BZ2) files online for free. The compressor repacks at maximum bzip2 compression; the contents are byte-identical. Processed in an isolated cloud sandbox and deleted automatically.

URL: https://www.converterrr.com/compress-tbz2

- Compression: lossless, runs in an isolated cloud sandbox (deleted automatically).
- API: `POST /api/v1/jobs` with `"operation": "compress"` (paid plans).
- Format: [TAR.BZ2 converter](https://www.converterrr.com/tbz2-converter), [Compress archives](https://www.converterrr.com/compress-archives).

## What compression does to TAR.BZ2

Repacks at maximum bzip2 compression; the contents are byte-identical.

It's lossless, so there are no quality levels: every file comes back with identical contents, just packed more tightly.

Need it much smaller? xz usually beats bzip2 on both size and decompression speed. [Convert TAR.BZ2 to TAR.XZ](https://www.converterrr.com/tbz2-to-txz).

## How to compress TAR.BZ2

1. **Add your TAR.BZ2 files.** Drag and drop TAR.BZ2 files onto the compressor, paste them, or click to browse. You can add several at once.
2. **Keep the default.** TAR.BZ2 compression is lossless, so there's nothing to tune: every file comes back with identical contents.
3. **Compress.** Click Compress. Files are processed in an isolated cloud sandbox and are usually ready in seconds.
4. **Download.** Download each smaller TAR.BZ2, or everything at once as a ZIP.

## Good to know

- bzip2 compresses text better than gzip but is slower. Repacking at maximum bzip2 compression keeps the contents byte-identical.
- bzip2's default is usually close to its maximum already, so for a real reduction, convert to TAR.XZ.
- Because TAR.BZ2 compression is lossless, it can't be aimed at an exact size: the result depends entirely on what's in the file.
- TAR.BZ2 files are compressed in an isolated cloud sandbox created just for your job; the upload and the result are deleted automatically afterwards.

## About the TAR.BZ2 format

TAR.BZ2 is a TAR bundle compressed with bzip2 for better compression than gzip.

|  | TAR.BZ2 |
| --- | --- |
| Full name | Bzipped Tar Archive |
| Type | Archive |
| Extensions | .tbz2, .tar.bz2, .tbz, .bz2 |
| MIME type | application/x-bzip2 |
| Best for | Linux software distribution |
| Properties | open standard |

## Compress other archives

[Compress ZIP](https://www.converterrr.com/compress-zip), [Compress 7Z](https://www.converterrr.com/compress-7z), [Compress TAR.GZ](https://www.converterrr.com/compress-tgz), [Compress TAR.XZ](https://www.converterrr.com/compress-txz)

## Compressing TAR.BZ2: frequently asked questions

### How do I compress a TAR.BZ2 file?

Drop the TAR.BZ2 onto the compressor above, and click Compress. Download the smaller TAR.BZ2 when it's done; it usually takes a few seconds.

### Does compressing TAR.BZ2 reduce quality?

No. TAR.BZ2 compression is lossless. It repacks at maximum bzip2 compression; the contents are byte-identical.

### How much smaller will my TAR.BZ2 get?

Usually very little, because bzip2's default is close to its maximum. Convert to TAR.XZ for a smaller file.

### Can I compress TAR.BZ2 to a specific size?

No. Because TAR.BZ2 compression is lossless, the result depends on the content and can't be dialled to an exact number. If you need a much smaller file, converting TAR.BZ2 to TAR.XZ gets further.

### Is it safe to compress TAR.BZ2 files here?

Yes. Your file travels over an encrypted connection to an isolated sandbox created for your job only, and both the original and the result are deleted automatically.

### Is the TAR.BZ2 compressor free?

Yes. Cloud jobs like this one use the same free daily credits as cloud conversions, and there's no watermark.

### Should I convert my TAR.BZ2 instead?

Sometimes. xz usually beats bzip2 on both size and decompression speed. The TAR.BZ2 to TAR.XZ converter does that in one step.