*StuffIt* is a multi-functional, multi-featured file compression app that
sells itself short by being overly complex and quite ugly. StuffIt is the
basic version of Smith Micro's flagship file compression software. It claims
to offer exactly what standard users need, but infuriatingly, doesn't offer a
specific trial version, which means that when you're trying it out, it's
difficult to tell what features are actually present and which belong to the
deluxe version. According to the developer's description, StuffIt standard
offers the ability to *create 25 file formats*. On first glance, StuffIt
doesn't seem to promise much. It's an old-fashioned looking program, with a
mess of buttons and options that makes it hard to know where to start. *The
interface is divided into three parts*, starting with the standard File,
Edit, View options. Under them, there are some quick buttons, and beneath
that, tabs giving you quick access to the rest of the program. The best place
to start when using Stuffit is the Wizards. These let you easily create basic
compressed files in a number of steps. They don't introduce unnecessary
complications, and within a few minutes you should have some nicely
compressed files, ready for storage or further actions. We have to admit that
*the actual StuffIt creation process is quick and painless*, and that the
initial time estimation drops quickly as the process progresses. As well as
creating compressed files, StuffIt lets you open and extract
previously-created files, convert from a specific variety of formats and make
self-extracting files. You can also schedule operations and use the app as a
file explorer. StuffIt's also *packed full of configuration options*, so if
you want to tweak any of the options, you'll have plenty of scope for
personalization. In all, we were disappointed by StuffIt. Mainly, we were
unconvinced that this program can do many things a free program like PeaZip
or 7-Zip can't, and confused by the uncertainty regarding what the standard
version of the program actually offers. StuffIt does the basic job of file
compression/decompression well, but without much panache, and all in all, the
whole program left us strangely unsatisfied. *StuffIt serves its purpose, but
we can think of bunches of other programs we'd rather use.*Download *StuffIt
2010 14.0* in Softonic
