Run:
7z i
Look for Codec ID: LZ4 under Codecs info.
Standard 7-Zip, created by Igor Pavlov, is a powerhouse of compression ratio. Its default algorithm, LZMA2, is like a master packer who fits a house's worth of furniture into a small van—it takes time, but the space-saving is incredible.
However, users soon found themselves in situations where they didn't need the smallest file; they needed the fastest one. They wanted to compress logs, game assets, or real-time backups at hundreds of megabytes per second without their CPUs breaking a sweat. This was the territory of LZ4, an algorithm by Yann Collet designed for extreme performance. The Modders Step In
Since the official 7-Zip doesn't natively support LZ4, developers like mcmilk and the team at tc4shell took matters into their own hands:
7-Zip ZS (Zstandard): This is the most famous "modded" build. It’s a custom version of 7-Zip that integrates not just LZ4, but a whole suite of modern codecs like Zstandard, Brotli, and Lizard.
Modern7z Plugin: For those who didn't want to replace their entire 7-Zip installation, this plugin acted as a "DLC". By simply dropping a few files into a Codecs folder, users could suddenly see LZ4 appearing as a choice in the compression method dropdown. The "Magic" of LZ4 in 7z
When you use these mods, you gain access to two distinct powers:
Direct LZ4 Archives: Creating .lz4 files that decompress almost as fast as your hard drive can read them.
LZ4 inside 7z: You can use the high-speed LZ4 algorithm but keep the robust .7z container features, like advanced encryption and multi-volume splitting.
mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd: 7-Zip with support for Brotli, Fast ... - GitHub
While the official 7-Zip version is legendary for its LZMA and LZMA2 performance, it does not natively support the LZ4 algorithm for creating or opening archives. To use LZ4 within the 7-Zip interface, you must use a "modded" or plugin-enhanced version. What is LZ4 and Why Use It?
LZ4 is a lossless compression algorithm optimized for extreme speed over high compression ratios.
Speed: It can compress at over 500 MB/s and decompress at several GB/s per core, often reaching the limits of your RAM's speed.
Use Case: It is ideal for real-time applications, large-scale backups where time is more critical than disk space, or gaming assets where fast loading is essential. Popular "Modded" 7-Zip Versions for LZ4
Several community projects have integrated LZ4 support directly into the 7-Zip environment. Releases · mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd - GitHub
The modification of 7-Zip to support the LZ4 compression algorithm is primarily realized through popular forks such as 7-Zip-zstd (also known as 7-Zip ZS). While the mainline version of 7-Zip focuses on high-ratio algorithms like LZMA2, these "modded" versions integrate LZ4 to provide extreme speed for real-time backups and high-throughput data processing. Overview of LZ4 Integration in 7-Zip
Modern 7-Zip forks integrate LZ4 to address the performance limitations of standard compression methods. LZ4 is a lossless algorithm optimized for speed, often exceeding 500 MB/s per core during compression and reaching RAM speed limits during decompression.
Key Fork: 7-Zip ZS (mcmilk) is the most prominent mod, adding support for LZ4, Zstandard (zstd), Brotli, and Lizard.
Implementation Strategy: The mod typically adds LZ4 as a new "Method" within the 7z or ZIP container settings, allowing users to select it from the compression level dropdown.
Plugins: Alternatives like Modern7z allow users to add LZ4 support to the official 7-Zip client by placing codec DLLs into a "Codecs" subfolder. Technical Characteristics
mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd: 7-Zip with support for Brotli, Fast ... - GitHub
While the official 7-Zip homepage provides powerful compression using the LZMA and LZMA2 algorithms, it does not natively support newer, high-speed codecs like LZ4. For users who prioritize extreme speed over maximum compression ratio, a modded 7-Zip for LZ4 is the essential solution. What is Modded 7-Zip for LZ4?
A "modded" version of 7-Zip refers to a build of the open-source software that has been patched or extended to include additional compression methods. The most popular versions are 7-Zip ZS (Zstandard) and the Modern7z plugin. These mods allow 7-Zip to handle: LZ4: An extremely fast lossless compression algorithm.
Zstandard (zstd): A modern algorithm that balances high speed with competitive compression ratios. modded 7zip for lz4
Brotli & Lizard: Specialized codecs for web assets and high-speed decompression. Why Use LZ4 in 7-Zip?
Standard 7z compression (LZMA2) is designed for "ultra" compression, which can be CPU-intensive and slow. LZ4 changes the priority:
Blazing Speed: LZ4 offers compression speeds of roughly 400–500 MB/s per core and decompression speeds that often saturate RAM bandwidth (multiple GB/s).
Real-Time Performance: It is ideal for live backups or moving large data sets where waiting for a progress bar is not an option.
Low Latency: Useful for developers or gamers who need to extract data quickly without a heavy CPU hit. Top Modded Versions and Plugins
The most prominent "modded" version of 7-Zip that integrates
(7-Zip ZStandard Edition), maintained by Tino Reichardt (mcmilk).
While standard 7-Zip focuses on maximum compression (LZMA/LZMA2), this mod transforms it into a high-performance tool by adding real-time, high-speed codecs often used in data centers and gaming. ⚡ The Core Mod: 7-Zip ZS
This is the "interesting" version you are likely looking for. It is a fork that adds several modern compression methods directly into the 7-Zip UI and command line. Supported Codecs: Adds LZ4, Zstandard (Zstd), Brotli, Lizard, and Lz5. The LZ4 Advantage: LZ4 is designed for extreme speed
over compression ratio. It can compress at ~400 MB/s per core and decompress at several GB/s.
Ideal for large backups where you care more about finishing the task quickly than saving every last MB of disk space. 🏗️ Why LZ4 in 7-Zip is Different Most people use 7-Zip for
files, which default to LZMA. Using LZ4 within the 7-Zip framework provides a unique middle ground: The ".7z" Wrapper: You get the metadata benefits of the
format (like strong AES-256 encryption and solid compression) but with the "instant" speed of LZ4. Hash Algorithm Choice:
The mod allows you to swap hash algorithms (XXH32, XXH64) to match the high speed of the compression, preventing the checksum process from becoming a bottleneck. Multithreading:
Unlike some early implementations, this mod fully leverages modern multi-core CPUs for LZ4 tasks. Microsoft Community Hub 📂 Other Notable Alternatives
If you are exploring "modded" 7-Zip ecosystems, these tools also leverage LZ4 through the 7-Zip codebase:
A modern fork of 7-Zip for Windows 10/11. It includes many of the 7-Zip ZS codecs (including LZ4) and integrates better with the modern Windows context menu. Total Commander Plugins
Many power users use 7-Zip LZ4 plugins within file managers like Total Commander to handle game assets or log files that require rapid decompression. Unity Discussions 💡 Quick Comparison: LZ4 vs. Default (LZMA2) LZ4 (Modded) LZMA2 (Standard) 🚀 Blazing Fast 📉 Low/Moderate 🏆 Excellent 🧊 Low (Efficient) 🔥 High (Heavy) Primary Use Logs, Game Assets, Real-time Archiving, Long-term storage Pro-Tip for the Write-up If you're writing about this, focus on the "Bottleneck Shift."
In standard 7-Zip, the CPU is usually the bottleneck. With modded LZ4, the bottleneck almost always shifts to your Drive I/O (Disk Speed)
because the algorithm is faster than most SSDs can write data. between these versions or find the official download links for the latest stable build?
mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd: 7-Zip with support for Brotli, Fast ... - GitHub
LZ4 is a "good piece" indeed—it's widely loved for its insane decompression speeds (multi-GB/s) while keeping a decent compression ratio
. Since the official 7-Zip doesn't include it natively, you usually need a modded version or a plugin to use it. The two most popular ways to get LZ4 in 7-Zip are: 1. 7-Zip ZS (The Fork)
This is a full fork of 7-Zip that comes pre-packaged with extra codecs like LZ4, Zstandard (zstd), Brotli, and Lizard Run: 7z i
: It’s a "set it and forget it" installation. You get all the extra algorithms right in the drop-down menu of the 7-Zip GUI. Availability : You can find it on the 7-Zip-zstd GitHub official project page 2. Modern7z (The Plugin)
If you don't want to replace your standard 7-Zip installation, you can use the tc4shell.com How it works : You create a
folder in your 7-Zip installation directory and drop the plugin files in there.
: Keeps your base 7-Zip "official" while adding support for LZ4, LZ5, and others. Availability : Available via Why use LZ4?
: It’s one of the fastest compressors available, often reaching 400 MB/s per core during compression and several GB/s during decompression.
: It's perfect for scenarios where you need to move data fast rather than save every last byte of space—like live filesystems, game data, or network protocols. Are you planning to use it for or just for faster file transfers
mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd: 7-Zip with support for Brotli, Fast ... - GitHub
Level Up Your Compression: Getting Started with Modded 7-Zip for LZ4
Standard 7-Zip is the gold standard for high compression ratios, but sometimes you just need raw speed. While the official version lacks native support for the ultra-fast LZ4 algorithm, a popular "modded" fork called 7-Zip ZS fills that gap perfectly.
LZ4 is designed for scenarios where compression speed is more important than the final file size.
Extreme Performance: It can compress at over 500 MB/s per core and decompress at several GB/s.
Near Zero-Cost: It is often faster than the storage media itself, making it ideal for "real-time" compression where you don't want to wait for the CPU.
Best for Small Redundancies: It is particularly effective for character strings and datasets without complex numerical patterns. How to Install Modded 7-Zip (7-Zip ZS)
The most common way to get LZ4 support is through the 7-Zip ZS (Zstandard) fork, which adds support for LZ4, Zstandard, Brotli, and more.
Download the Setup: Visit the 7-Zip ZS GitHub Releases to find the latest version.
Run the Installer: Install it just like the standard version. It will typically replace or coexist with your current 7-Zip installation.
Command Line Option: If you prefer package managers, you can install it via WinGet using:winget install -e --id mcmilk.7zip-zstd.
Verify: Open the 7-Zip GUI, or run 7z.exe i in your terminal to see the newly supported codecs. Alternative: The Modern7z Plugin
If you don't want to replace your entire 7-Zip installation, you can use the Modern7z plugin.
Installation: Create a folder named Codecs in your 7-Zip installation directory.
Setup: Copy the .dll files from the Modern7z package into that Codecs folder.
Usage: The new methods will automatically appear in the "Compression method" dropdown when you select "Add to archive". When Should You Use This?
Use modded 7-Zip with LZ4 when you are moving large amounts of data over a network or performing frequent backups where time is the bottleneck, not disk space. For maximum space savings, stick with the traditional LZMA2 method. LZ4 - Extremely fast compression
LZ4 is lossless compression algorithm, providing compression speed > 500 MB/s per core (>0.15 Bytes/cycle). Look for Codec ID: LZ4 under Codecs info
mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd: 7-Zip with support for Brotli, Fast ... - GitHub
LZ4 is a lossless compression algorithm focused on extreme speed (hundreds of MB/s per core) rather than maximum compression ratio.
Once installed, using LZ4 is slightly hidden inside the GUI. Here is the procedure:
Do not download from the official 7-zip.org site.
Yes, if:
No, if:
For the rest of us—the tinkerers, the modders, the impatient power users—a modded 7‑Zip with LZ4 isn’t just a tool; it’s a speed upgrade for your entire workflow. Go try it. Archive a 5 GB folder in 5 seconds. You’ll never wait for LZMA again.
Have you tried a modded 7‑Zip fork? Share your LZ4 compression speeds in the comments below or join the discussion on r/DataHoarder.
Further reading:
To prepare a feature for a "modded 7-Zip for LZ4," you should look at the existing 7-Zip ZS (Zstandard Edition)
, which is the primary "modded" fork that integrates the LZ4 algorithm into the 7-Zip interface. Core Functionality The feature integrates the LZ4 v1.10.0
lossless compression algorithm, which is optimized for high-speed performance. Ultra-Fast Performance : Provides compression speeds up to 400 MB/s per core and multi-GB/s decompression speeds. Compression Levels : Supports levels 1 through 12 , with a high-compression derivative called available for better ratios at the cost of CPU time. 7z Container Support : Allows wrapping LZ4 streams directly within the standard container format. Implementation Specs
If you are developing or documenting this feature, the following technical details from the 7-Zip-zstd GitHub are essential: : The reserved method ID for LZ4 in this mod is Command Line Usage : Use the switch to specify the algorithm. Block Compression
: The input stream is divided into equal blocks, allowing each block to be compressed in a separate thread for multi-core acceleration. BCJ2 Filter Warning
: When compressing binaries (like .exe or .dll) using the LZ4 plugin, you must explicitly disable the BCJ2 filter using Distribution Options Standalone Fork : You can install the full modded version using with the command winget install -e --id mcmilk.7zip-zstd Plugin Only
plugin allows adding LZ4 support to a standard 7-Zip installation without replacing the entire application. configuration guide
for using LZ4 in automated backups or large-scale data transfers?
mcmilk/7-Zip-zstd: 7-Zip with support for Brotli, Fast ... - GitHub
When looking for a "modded 7-Zip for LZ4," the primary and most robust solution is
, developed by mcmilk. This version integrates modern compression algorithms—including LZ4, Zstandard (ZSTD), Brotli, and Lizard—into the familiar 7-Zip interface. Why Use 7-Zip ZS for LZ4?
LZ4 provides extremely fast compression (>500 MB/s per core) and decompression (~GB/s per core), making it ideal for scenarios where speed matters more than the smallest file size. Compatibility:
This modded version (7-Zip ZS) enables LZ4 support within the popular 7z container, allowing for better organization than raw LZ4 files. GUI & CLI:
It includes both a graphical interface and command-line support, just like the official 7-Zip. How to Use LZ4 in 7-Zip ZS Download and Install: Obtain the latest version of 7-Zip ZS from GitHub Compress Files: Right-click the files you want to archive, select , and choose
Here’s an interesting, concise write-up on the topic: