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zlib-flate

Raw zlib compression and decompression utility

TLDR

Compress data
$ zlib-flate -compress < [input] > [output.zz]
Decompress data
$ zlib-flate -uncompress < [input.zz] > [output]
Compress with specific level (1=fastest, 9=best)
$ zlib-flate -compress=[9] < [input] > [output.zz]
Decompress a raw zlib stream from a PDF
$ zlib-flate -uncompress < [stream.bin] > [decoded.txt]

SYNOPSIS

zlib-flate -compress[=level] | -uncompress

DESCRIPTION

zlib-flate performs raw zlib compression and decompression. It reads from standard input and writes to standard output, making it suitable for use in shell pipelines.The tool uses raw zlib compression format, which distinguishes it from utilities like gzip that add wrapper headers. Compression levels from 1 (fastest) to 9 (best compression) can be specified with the -compress= option.zlib-flate is included as a utility in the QPDF package. It is primarily provided as a debugging tool for working with raw zlib streams such as those found inside PDF files. It should not be used as a general purpose compression tool; use gzip instead for that.

PARAMETERS

-compress

Compress data.
-uncompress
Decompress data.
=LEVEL
Compression level (1-9).

INSTALL

sudo apt install qpdf
sudo dnf install qpdf
sudo pacman -S qpdf
sudo apk add qpdf
sudo zypper install qpdf
brew install qpdf
nix profile install nixpkgs#qpdf

CAVEATS

Raw zlib format only, no gzip or other wrapper headers. Part of the qpdf package. Not intended as a general purpose compression tool.

HISTORY

zlib-flate is included with QPDF, providing raw zlib deflate compression and decompression.

SEE ALSO

qpdf(1), gzip(1), zcat(1), pigz(1)