Crinkler
github.com
What it is
Crinkler is a compressing linker for producing very small 32-bit Windows executables, particularly demoscene intros in 1k, 4k, and 8k sizes. It combines linking and compression; the resulting executable decompresses into memory when run. By default, context modelling compresses code, optional text data, and general data as separate parts. Crinkler can replace the Visual Studio linker and supports its basic options, with configuration through project settings. Its data compressor is also available as a separate library for estimating compressed data size. Crinkler is free and distributed under the zlib license, which permits commercial use subject to its conditions. Version 3.0 requires Windows 10 or later and SSE4.2, including for the executables it produces, although those executables can target older Windows versions. Uncompressed input is limited to 64k per part. The manual warns that tiny-header mode can make decompression prohibitively slow for files significantly larger than 1 KB. The project directs users to GitHub Releases for downloads and links a manual for usage and version history.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- Crinkler is a compressing linker for Windows executables that are only a few kilobytes in size, mainly for small demoscene productions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Audience
- The project describes Crinkler as widely used for compressing 1k, 4k, and 8k intros.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support
- The README directs users to the Pouët.net forum for general discussion, questions and comments.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- Crinkler is distributed under the Zlib license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Build requirements
- Building requires Visual Studio 2022 or later, and nasm.exe on the executable path for custom assembly build rules.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Community support
- The README directs general discussion, questions, and comments to the Pouët.net forum.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compression method
- The manual says Crinkler uses context modelling and compresses code, optional text data and general data as separate parts by default.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Compressor library
- Its data compressor is available as a separate library that can help tools estimate compressed data size.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- CPU requirement
- Crinkler 3.0 and the executable files it produces require SSE4.2.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Current release
- The Releases page lists Crinkler 3.0b as the latest release.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Documentation
- The project links to a manual for usage information and version history.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Download
- The README directs users to the GitHub Releases page for the latest version.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Downloads
- The README directs users to the GitHub Releases page to download the latest version.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- How it works
- Crinkler combines linking and compression, producing an executable that decompresses into memory when run.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Input size limit
- Crinkler 3.0 limits uncompressed size to 64k per part.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Integration
- The project welcomes integrating Crinkler into other tools or toolchains and recommends using the master branch.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Notable limit
- The manual says the tiny-header mode can make decompression prohibitively slow for files significantly larger than 1 KB.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- OS requirement
- Crinkler 3.0 requires Windows 10 or later, though it can target older Windows versions.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Target audience
- The project describes Crinkler as a tool for compressing small 32-bit Windows demoscene executables, including 1k, 4k and 8k intros.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Visual Studio
- Crinkler can replace the Visual Studio linker and supports its basic options, with configuration through Visual Studio’s project settings.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Crinkler Free compressing linker for small 32-bit Windows executables · distributed under the Zlib license Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Combines linking and compression in one tool.
- Can replace the Visual Studio linker.
- Compressor library can estimate compressed data size.
- Zlib license permits commercial use under its conditions.
Limits
- Version 3.0 requires Windows 10 or later and SSE4.2.
- Uncompressed size is limited to 64k per part.
- Tiny-header mode can slow decompression for larger files.
Who it suits
Crinkler suits Windows developers making compact 32-bit demoscene executables, including 1k, 4k, and 8k intros. It may also fit toolchain builders who want to use its compressor library or integrate the linker.
Verdict
Crinkler is narrowly aimed at small Windows executables and offers Visual Studio integration. Check the SSE4.2 requirement, per-part size limit, and tiny-header behavior against your build needs.
Where Specifiction places it
- Executable Packers#3 of 288.3
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