Years ago, back in the days before OSX, file compression on the Mac meant using applications like DiskDoubler and Aladdin Stuffit. Stuffit was a staple of every Mac computer. Many applications required the Expander app just to install, and virtually any file you downloaded off the Internet for the Mac was compressed using the Stuffit format. You could make the argument that it was the single most popular non-Apple application on the Mac for years. Aladdin (later known as Allume) sold Stuffit to Smith Micro Software in 2005, at which time it was still the dominant file compression method on the Mac OS. Flash-forward to present day and we now have file compression built-in to the OS, via BOMArchiveHelper’s .zip format. So you might be wondering why you would need anything more. Read on to find out why. Stuffit Deluxe 2009 is still the ultimate in file compression for the Mac. Stuffit Deluxe does a superior job compressing files, including photos, MP3s, PDFs, and all your other documents. Compressed archives are compatible with both the Mac and Windows operating systems, which can be de-compressed with the free Stuffit Expander. Files can be compressed by up to 98%, making online file transfer speedy, and backups more space-efficient. 
More than just compression
Stuffit Deluxe offers more than just compression though, it’s a full archive management application. With Stuffit Deluxe, you can securely archive multiple files into one archive file with strong 512-bit password encryption. It also offers built-in protection against data corruption. Stuffit Archives feature the ability to preview the documents contained inside them with the Archive Manager, or using OSX’s Quick Look feature. You can even browse archives in the Finder. It’s really quite handy, and resolves one of the things I hated about using Stuffit in years past (not knowing what’s inside the archive). 
Stuffit offers a plethora of OSX integration via contextual menus that allow you to Stuff and email with a single click. The MagicMenu feature allows you to compress and expand archives with a simple keystroke, making working with Stuffit files a breeze. Stuffit also works with Automator workflows, and Stuffit archives can be previewed in Time Machine. There’s also built-in FTP and MobileMe file transfer support. Colorful icons indicate at a glance what compression format a particular archive uses.
Compression options
One of Stuffit’s strongest points is that it can handle a mountain of file compression formats. Over 25 formats are supported, including:
Files can be compressed as single archives, or automatically split into customizable sizes. Stuffit can also create Self-Expanding Archives, making it easy for those without the free Expander application installed. Unlike past versions, Stuffit Deluxe 2009 uses a patented 24-bit image compression method to shrink .jpg images up to 30% with no visible image artifacts. Optimized compression for PDFs and MP3 files is also included, along with TIFF, PNG, GIF and BMP compressors. Virtually any file you can think of will benefit from Stuffit’s latest compression algorithms.
Purchase Options
Stuffit comes in three flavors. Stuffit Expander 2009 is free. Obviously, Expander only expands files. This is perfect if you frequently receive compressed files of all types, but don’t have the need to compress or manage them beyond what OSX can do. Stuffit Standard 2009 offers basic compression and expansion tools, including data corruption protection and password/encryption features for $49.99. Stuffit Deluxe 2009 offers all the features I described above for $79.99.
Closing thoughts
While I’ll admit that for basic file compression, the typical Mac users needs nothing more than OSX’s built-in .zip compression feature. But for users who need to save every last bit they can, manage large quantities of archive files, encrypt and password-protect archives, and have quick previews of archive contents, Stuffit Deluxe 2009 is still a worthy app to have in your Mac’s Utility folder.