What is the primary purpose of compression in digital files?

The primary purpose of compression in digital files is to reduce file size. This process is essential as it enables easier storage and faster transmission of files across networks. By compressing files, whether they are images, audio, or video, the amount of data that needs to be stored or sent is minimized, which is especially important for handling large multimedia files. Reduced file sizes can improve loading times and overall efficiency, making it more feasible to share or upload content, particularly in environments with bandwidth limitations.

While enhancing visual quality and increasing the number of colors in an image may be goals for other processes, they are not the primary functions of compression. Improving the readability of text does not inherently relate to file compression but is more about formatting and text layout. Thus, compression serves a specific utility in managing digital file sizes without specifically addressing these other aspects.