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Asked: 2024-09-27T08:37:16+05:30 In:

What are the methods to divide large files into smaller sections on an Ubuntu system?

I’ve been wrestling with this issue lately, and I’m hoping some of you can help me out. So, I’ve got this massive file on my Ubuntu system—it’s taking up way too much space and is just unwieldy to deal with. It’s like trying to carry a giant pizza all by myself; I need to slice it up into smaller, more manageable pieces.

I’ve seen some folks mention different ways to do this, but I’m not exactly sure where to start. Like, I know there are several methods available, but which ones are actually the easiest or most efficient? Is there a built-in tool in Ubuntu that can help with file splitting, or do I need to mess with the terminal and use some commands?

I’ve heard about the `split` command, and I think I might’ve seen a GUI application for it too, but I’m not really comfortable with the terminal or coding stuff. Is there a straightforward way to do it without diving too deep into command-line nonsense? I mean, I’ve become so accustomed to graphical interfaces that touching the terminal feels like stepping into a foreign land.

Also, what about large video files or images? Is there a noticeable difference in how I should approach splitting those types compared to, say, a giant text file? Are there any specific commands or parameters I should keep in mind to avoid losing any data integrity while I’m at it?

Lastly, while we’re at it, if anyone has tips on how to combine the files back together (just in case I need the whole thing again in the future), that would be super helpful too. I’d really appreciate any insights or experiences you can share! Thanks!

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    2 Answers


    1. To split a large file on Ubuntu, one of the simplest methods is to use the built-in `split` command in the terminal. Although you may not feel comfortable with the terminal, this command is straightforward to use. The basic syntax is `split filename prefix`, which will break the file into pieces with a default size of 1000 lines each. If you’re dealing with a large file that is not text, you might want to specify the size for each split file by using options like `-b` for bytes (e.g., `split -b 100M filename prefix` for splitting by 100 MB). That said, it’s worth noting that for non-text files such as images or videos, splitting might require special handling, as raw splits might lead to file corruption. For graphical alternatives, you could install a GUI application like GFileSplit or use a file manager that supports file operations, depending on your desktop environment.

      When it comes to combining the split files back together, if you used the `split` command, you can easily merge them by using the `cat` command: `cat prefix* > original_file`. This command will concatenate all the split files back into one file, retaining the original data integrity. If you’re dealing with specialized file types, like video or audio, consider using dedicated software like FFmpeg, which can handle media file concatenation without compromising quality. Additionally, many GUI applications offer a “join” feature that is often more user-friendly for those who prefer to avoid command-line utilities. Be sure to check the software documentation for specific instructions on handling larger media files to ensure no data loss during the splitting or combining process.







    2. File Splitting in Ubuntu

      How to Split Large Files in Ubuntu

      It sounds like you’re dealing with quite a hefty file! No worries, there are definitely ways to slice it up without pulling your hair out.

      Using the Terminal

      Okay, so you mentioned the split command, which is actually super handy for this. Here’s a quick run-through:

      split -b 100M largefile.txt part_

      This command will split your largefile.txt into chunks of 100MB each, naming them part_aa, part_ab, and so on. It’s pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but I get that the terminal can feel a bit scary!

      Graphical Tools

      If the terminal feels like a foreign land, you can try some GUI apps as well. One popular option is Gnome Splitter, which makes slicing files a breeze! Just install through the Ubuntu Software Center:

      sudo apt install gnome-splitter

      Once installed, you can just open it up, drag and drop your file, and set your preferences. Much easier, right?

      Handling Different File Types

      As for large video files or images, it depends on the format. With video files, splitting them often requires special software to maintain quality. You can use something like FFmpeg for that:

      ffmpeg -i largevideo.mp4 -ss 00:00:00 -t 00:10:00 -c copy part1.mp4

      This example cuts out the first 10 minutes of the video. Just repeat for the rest!

      Combining Files

      When you want to put everything back together, you can either use the terminal with:

      cat part_* > combinedfile.txt

      or, if you’re dealing with media files, use FFmpeg like this:

      ffmpeg -f concat -i filelist.txt -c copy output.mp4

      Just make sure to create filelist.txt with the parts listed in the right order! Simple as that.

      Final Thoughts

      So, whether you go with the terminal or a GUI tool, you’ve got options! Just pick what feels comfortable for you, and dive in. Happy file slicing!


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