Compressing a catalog reduces the actual size of the catalog file. This can be useful e.g. if you have deleted a huge amount of records (because deleting records does not alter the size of a catalog file). Smaller catalog files can speed up both cataloging and retrieval processes. Furthermore, they are easier to back up than bigger ones.
To compress a catalog:
1. Make sure the catalog you want to compress is the active window in Cumulus. If you have more than one catalog opened in the active window, you will be asked to select the catalog.
2. Select File > Administration > Compress Catalog. (Only active if the catalog is not yet compressed as much as possible.) A confirmation window is displayed.