diff --git a/cmake/libdwarfs.cmake b/cmake/libdwarfs.cmake
index 786902b9..9e6e7704 100644
--- a/cmake/libdwarfs.cmake
+++ b/cmake/libdwarfs.cmake
@@ -21,10 +21,9 @@ cmake_minimum_required(VERSION 3.28.0)
 add_library(
   dwarfs_common
 
-  src/block_compressor.cpp
-  src/block_compressor_parser.cpp
   src/byte_buffer.cpp
   src/checksum.cpp
+  src/compression_registry.cpp
   src/conv.cpp
   src/error.cpp
   src/file_access_generic.cpp
@@ -72,6 +71,21 @@ add_library(
   $<$<BOOL:${ENABLE_RICEPP}>:src/compression/ricepp.cpp>
 )
 
+add_library(
+  dwarfs_compressor
+
+  src/block_compressor.cpp
+  src/block_compressor_parser.cpp
+  src/compressor_registry.cpp
+)
+
+add_library(
+  dwarfs_decompressor
+
+  src/block_decompressor.cpp
+  src/decompressor_registry.cpp
+)
+
 add_library(
   dwarfs_reader
 
@@ -170,8 +184,10 @@ add_cpp2_thrift_library(thrift/features.thrift
                         TARGET dwarfs_features_thrift OUTPUT_PATH dwarfs)
 
 target_link_libraries(dwarfs_common PRIVATE dwarfs_folly_lite PkgConfig::LIBCRYPTO PkgConfig::XXHASH PkgConfig::ZSTD)
-target_link_libraries(dwarfs_reader PUBLIC dwarfs_common)
-target_link_libraries(dwarfs_writer PUBLIC dwarfs_common PkgConfig::ZSTD)
+target_link_libraries(dwarfs_compressor PRIVATE dwarfs_common)
+target_link_libraries(dwarfs_decompressor PRIVATE dwarfs_common)
+target_link_libraries(dwarfs_reader PUBLIC dwarfs_common dwarfs_decompressor)
+target_link_libraries(dwarfs_writer PUBLIC dwarfs_common dwarfs_compressor dwarfs_decompressor)
 target_link_libraries(dwarfs_extractor PUBLIC dwarfs_reader)
 target_link_libraries(dwarfs_rewrite PUBLIC dwarfs_reader dwarfs_writer)
 
@@ -241,6 +257,8 @@ endif()
 
 list(APPEND LIBDWARFS_TARGETS
   dwarfs_common
+  dwarfs_compressor
+  dwarfs_decompressor
   dwarfs_reader
   dwarfs_writer
   dwarfs_extractor
diff --git a/include/dwarfs/block_compressor.h b/include/dwarfs/block_compressor.h
index 0f69f89a..f940623e 100644
--- a/include/dwarfs/block_compressor.h
+++ b/include/dwarfs/block_compressor.h
@@ -21,29 +21,16 @@
 
 #pragma once
 
-#include <cstdint>
-#include <cstdio>
-#include <functional>
 #include <memory>
-#include <optional>
-#include <set>
-#include <span>
 #include <stdexcept>
 #include <string>
-#include <string_view>
-#include <unordered_map>
-#include <utility>
-#include <vector>
 
 #include <dwarfs/byte_buffer.h>
-#include <dwarfs/byte_buffer_factory.h>
 #include <dwarfs/compression.h>
 #include <dwarfs/compression_constraints.h>
 
 namespace dwarfs {
 
-class option_map;
-
 class bad_compression_ratio_error : public std::runtime_error {
  public:
   bad_compression_ratio_error()
@@ -108,112 +95,4 @@ class block_compressor {
   std::unique_ptr<impl> impl_;
 };
 
-class block_decompressor {
- public:
-  block_decompressor(compression_type type, std::span<uint8_t const> data);
-
-  shared_byte_buffer start_decompression(mutable_byte_buffer target);
-  shared_byte_buffer start_decompression(byte_buffer_factory const& bbf);
-
-  bool decompress_frame(size_t frame_size = BUFSIZ) {
-    return impl_->decompress_frame(frame_size);
-  }
-
-  size_t uncompressed_size() const { return impl_->uncompressed_size(); }
-
-  compression_type type() const { return impl_->type(); }
-
-  std::optional<std::string> metadata() const { return impl_->metadata(); }
-
-  static shared_byte_buffer
-  decompress(compression_type type, std::span<uint8_t const> data);
-
-  class impl {
-   public:
-    virtual ~impl() = default;
-
-    virtual void start_decompression(mutable_byte_buffer target) = 0;
-    virtual bool decompress_frame(size_t frame_size) = 0;
-    virtual size_t uncompressed_size() const = 0;
-    virtual std::optional<std::string> metadata() const = 0;
-
-    virtual compression_type type() const = 0;
-  };
-
- private:
-  std::unique_ptr<impl> impl_;
-};
-
-class compression_info {
- public:
-  virtual ~compression_info() = default;
-
-  virtual std::string_view name() const = 0;
-  virtual std::string_view description() const = 0;
-  virtual std::vector<std::string> const& options() const = 0; // TODO: span?
-  virtual std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const = 0;
-};
-
-class compression_factory : public compression_info {
- public:
-  virtual std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map& om) const = 0;
-  virtual std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const = 0;
-};
-
-namespace detail {
-
-template <compression_type T>
-struct compression_factory_registrar;
-
-} // namespace detail
-
-class compression_registry {
- public:
-  static compression_registry& instance();
-
-  std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(std::string_view spec) const;
-  std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(compression_type type, std::span<uint8_t const> data) const;
-
-  void for_each_algorithm(
-      std::function<void(compression_type, compression_info const&)> const& fn)
-      const;
-
-  void register_factory(compression_type type,
-                        std::unique_ptr<compression_factory const>&& factory);
-
- private:
-  compression_registry();
-  ~compression_registry();
-
-  std::unordered_map<compression_type,
-                     std::unique_ptr<compression_factory const>>
-      factories_;
-  std::unordered_map<std::string, compression_type> names_;
-};
-
-namespace detail {
-
-#define DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_ENUMERATION_(name, value)                      \
-  template <>                                                                  \
-  struct compression_factory_registrar<compression_type::name> {               \
-    static void reg(compression_registry&);                                    \
-  };
-#define DWARFS_NO_SEPARATOR_
-DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_LIST(DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_ENUMERATION_,
-                             DWARFS_NO_SEPARATOR_)
-#undef DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_ENUMERATION_
-#undef DWARFS_NO_SEPARATOR_
-
-} // namespace detail
-
-#define REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(factory)                                  \
-  void ::dwarfs::detail::compression_factory_registrar<factory::type>::reg(    \
-      ::dwarfs::compression_registry& cr) {                                    \
-    cr.register_factory(factory::type, std::make_unique<factory>());           \
-  }
-
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/include/dwarfs/block_decompressor.h b/include/dwarfs/block_decompressor.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..92bf0742
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/dwarfs/block_decompressor.h
@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <cstdint>
+#include <cstdio>
+#include <memory>
+#include <optional>
+#include <set>
+#include <span>
+#include <string>
+#include <string_view>
+
+#include <dwarfs/byte_buffer.h>
+#include <dwarfs/byte_buffer_factory.h>
+#include <dwarfs/compression.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+class block_decompressor {
+ public:
+  block_decompressor(compression_type type, std::span<uint8_t const> data);
+
+  shared_byte_buffer start_decompression(mutable_byte_buffer target);
+  shared_byte_buffer start_decompression(byte_buffer_factory const& bbf);
+
+  bool decompress_frame(size_t frame_size = BUFSIZ) {
+    return impl_->decompress_frame(frame_size);
+  }
+
+  size_t uncompressed_size() const { return impl_->uncompressed_size(); }
+
+  compression_type type() const { return impl_->type(); }
+
+  std::optional<std::string> metadata() const { return impl_->metadata(); }
+
+  static shared_byte_buffer
+  decompress(compression_type type, std::span<uint8_t const> data);
+
+  class impl {
+   public:
+    virtual ~impl() = default;
+
+    virtual void start_decompression(mutable_byte_buffer target) = 0;
+    virtual bool decompress_frame(size_t frame_size) = 0;
+    virtual size_t uncompressed_size() const = 0;
+    virtual std::optional<std::string> metadata() const = 0;
+
+    virtual compression_type type() const = 0;
+  };
+
+ private:
+  std::unique_ptr<impl> impl_;
+};
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/include/dwarfs/compressor_factory.h b/include/dwarfs/compressor_factory.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6022aadc
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/dwarfs/compressor_factory.h
@@ -0,0 +1,52 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <memory>
+#include <set>
+#include <span>
+#include <string>
+#include <string_view>
+
+#include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+class option_map;
+
+class compressor_info {
+ public:
+  virtual ~compressor_info() = default;
+
+  virtual std::string_view name() const = 0;
+  virtual std::string_view description() const = 0;
+  virtual std::span<std::string const> options() const = 0;
+  virtual std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const = 0;
+};
+
+class compressor_factory : public compressor_info {
+ public:
+  virtual std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
+  create(option_map& om) const = 0;
+};
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/include/dwarfs/compressor_registry.h b/include/dwarfs/compressor_registry.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..ca41c51f
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/dwarfs/compressor_registry.h
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <dwarfs/detail/compression_registry.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+class compressor_registry final : public detail::compressor_registry_base {
+ public:
+  static compressor_registry& instance();
+
+  std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl> create(std::string_view spec) const;
+
+ private:
+  compressor_registry();
+  ~compressor_registry();
+};
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/include/dwarfs/decompressor_factory.h b/include/dwarfs/decompressor_factory.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..6b9d6507
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/dwarfs/decompressor_factory.h
@@ -0,0 +1,49 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <memory>
+#include <set>
+#include <span>
+#include <string>
+#include <string_view>
+
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+class decompressor_info {
+ public:
+  virtual ~decompressor_info() = default;
+
+  virtual std::string_view name() const = 0;
+  virtual std::string_view description() const = 0;
+  virtual std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const = 0;
+};
+
+class decompressor_factory : public decompressor_info {
+ public:
+  virtual std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const = 0;
+};
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/include/dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h b/include/dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..bb4b06c6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h
@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <dwarfs/detail/compression_registry.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+class decompressor_registry final : public detail::decompressor_registry_base {
+ public:
+  static decompressor_registry& instance();
+
+  std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
+  create(compression_type type, std::span<uint8_t const> data) const;
+
+ private:
+  decompressor_registry();
+  ~decompressor_registry();
+};
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/include/dwarfs/detail/compression_registry.h b/include/dwarfs/detail/compression_registry.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..e4803cf7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/dwarfs/detail/compression_registry.h
@@ -0,0 +1,107 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <functional>
+#include <string_view>
+#include <unordered_map>
+
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_factory.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_factory.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+class library_dependencies;
+
+namespace detail {
+
+template <typename FactoryT, compression_type Type>
+struct compression_registrar;
+
+class compression_registry_base {
+ protected:
+  void register_name(compression_type type, std::string_view name);
+
+  std::unordered_map<std::string, compression_type> names_;
+};
+
+template <typename FactoryT, typename InfoT>
+class compression_registry : public compression_registry_base {
+ public:
+  compression_registry();
+
+  void register_factory(compression_type type,
+                        std::unique_ptr<FactoryT const>&& factory);
+
+  void for_each_algorithm(
+      std::function<void(compression_type, InfoT const&)> const& fn) const;
+
+  void add_library_dependencies(library_dependencies& deps) const;
+
+ protected:
+  template <compression_type Type>
+  void do_register();
+
+  FactoryT const& get_factory(compression_type type) const;
+
+ private:
+  std::unordered_map<compression_type, std::unique_ptr<FactoryT const>>
+      factories_;
+};
+
+using compressor_registry_base =
+    compression_registry<compressor_factory, compressor_info>;
+using decompressor_registry_base =
+    compression_registry<decompressor_factory, decompressor_info>;
+
+#define DWARFS_DETAIL_COMP_REGISTRAR_(type, name, value)                       \
+  template <>                                                                  \
+  struct compression_registrar<type##_factory, compression_type::name> {       \
+    static std::unique_ptr<type##_factory> reg();                              \
+  }
+
+#define DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_ENUMERATION_(name, value)                      \
+  DWARFS_DETAIL_COMP_REGISTRAR_(compressor, name, value);                      \
+  DWARFS_DETAIL_COMP_REGISTRAR_(decompressor, name, value);
+
+#define DWARFS_NO_SEPARATOR_
+DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_LIST(DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_ENUMERATION_,
+                             DWARFS_NO_SEPARATOR_)
+#undef DWARFS_COMPRESSION_TYPE_ENUMERATION_
+#undef DWARFS_NO_SEPARATOR_
+
+} // namespace detail
+} // namespace dwarfs
+
+#define REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(factory)                                   \
+  std::unique_ptr<dwarfs::compressor_factory>                                  \
+  dwarfs::detail::compression_registrar<dwarfs::compressor_factory,            \
+                                        factory::type>::reg() {                \
+    return std::make_unique<factory>();                                        \
+  }
+
+#define REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(factory)                                 \
+  std::unique_ptr<dwarfs::decompressor_factory>                                \
+  dwarfs::detail::compression_registrar<dwarfs::decompressor_factory,          \
+                                        factory::type>::reg() {                \
+    return std::make_unique<factory>();                                        \
+  }
diff --git a/src/block_compressor.cpp b/src/block_compressor.cpp
index e0f5e2b3..629ee698 100644
--- a/src/block_compressor.cpp
+++ b/src/block_compressor.cpp
@@ -19,150 +19,13 @@
  * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-#include <algorithm>
-#include <cassert>
-#include <cstdint>
-#include <iostream>
-
-#include <range/v3/algorithm/sort.hpp>
-#include <range/v3/range/conversion.hpp>
-#include <range/v3/view/map.hpp>
-
 #include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
-#include <dwarfs/config.h>
-#include <dwarfs/error.h>
-#include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
-#include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
-#include <dwarfs/vector_byte_buffer.h>
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
 
 namespace dwarfs {
 
 block_compressor::block_compressor(std::string const& spec) {
-  impl_ = compression_registry::instance().make_compressor(spec);
+  impl_ = compressor_registry::instance().create(spec);
 }
 
-block_decompressor::block_decompressor(compression_type type,
-                                       std::span<uint8_t const> data) {
-  impl_ = compression_registry::instance().make_decompressor(type, data);
-}
-
-shared_byte_buffer
-block_decompressor::decompress(compression_type type,
-                               std::span<uint8_t const> data) {
-  block_decompressor bd(type, data);
-  auto target = vector_byte_buffer::create_reserve(bd.uncompressed_size());
-  bd.start_decompression(target);
-  bd.decompress_frame(bd.uncompressed_size());
-  return target.share();
-}
-
-shared_byte_buffer
-block_decompressor::start_decompression(mutable_byte_buffer target) {
-  impl_->start_decompression(target);
-  target.freeze_location();
-  return target.share();
-}
-
-shared_byte_buffer
-block_decompressor::start_decompression(byte_buffer_factory const& bbf) {
-  auto target = bbf.create_mutable_fixed_reserve(impl_->uncompressed_size());
-  return start_decompression(target);
-}
-
-compression_registry& compression_registry::instance() {
-  static compression_registry the_instance;
-  return the_instance;
-}
-
-void compression_registry::register_factory(
-    compression_type type,
-    std::unique_ptr<compression_factory const>&& factory) {
-  auto name = factory->name();
-
-  if (!factories_.emplace(type, std::move(factory)).second) {
-    std::cerr << "compression factory type conflict (" << name << ", "
-              << static_cast<int>(type) << ")\n";
-    ::abort();
-  }
-
-  if (!names_.emplace(name, type).second) {
-    std::cerr << "compression factory name conflict (" << name << ", "
-              << static_cast<int>(type) << ")\n";
-    ::abort();
-  }
-}
-
-std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-compression_registry::make_compressor(std::string_view spec) const {
-  option_map om(spec);
-  auto nit = names_.find(om.choice());
-
-  if (nit == names_.end()) {
-    DWARFS_THROW(runtime_error, "unknown compression: " + om.choice());
-  }
-
-  auto fit = factories_.find(nit->second);
-
-  assert(fit != factories_.end());
-
-  auto obj = fit->second->make_compressor(om);
-
-  om.report();
-
-  return obj;
-}
-
-std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-compression_registry::make_decompressor(compression_type type,
-                                        std::span<uint8_t const> data) const {
-  auto fit = factories_.find(type);
-
-  if (fit == factories_.end()) {
-    DWARFS_THROW(runtime_error,
-                 "unsupported compression type: " + get_compression_name(type));
-  }
-
-  return fit->second->make_decompressor(data);
-}
-
-void compression_registry::for_each_algorithm(
-    std::function<void(compression_type, compression_info const&)> const& fn)
-    const {
-  auto types = factories_ | ranges::views::keys | ranges::to<std::vector>;
-
-  ranges::sort(types);
-
-  for (auto type : types) {
-    fn(type, *factories_.at(type));
-  }
-}
-
-compression_registry::compression_registry() {
-  using namespace ::dwarfs::detail;
-  using enum compression_type;
-
-  compression_factory_registrar<NONE>::reg(*this);
-#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBBROTLI
-  compression_factory_registrar<BROTLI>::reg(*this);
-#endif
-#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_FLAC
-  compression_factory_registrar<FLAC>::reg(*this);
-#endif
-#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBLZ4
-  compression_factory_registrar<LZ4>::reg(*this);
-  compression_factory_registrar<LZ4HC>::reg(*this);
-#endif
-#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBLZMA
-  compression_factory_registrar<LZMA>::reg(*this);
-#endif
-#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_RICEPP
-  compression_factory_registrar<RICEPP>::reg(*this);
-#endif
-#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBZSTD
-  compression_factory_registrar<ZSTD>::reg(*this);
-#endif
-}
-
-compression_registry::~compression_registry() = default;
-
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/block_decompressor.cpp b/src/block_decompressor.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..90585d8c
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/block_decompressor.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,57 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
+#include <dwarfs/vector_byte_buffer.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+block_decompressor::block_decompressor(compression_type type,
+                                       std::span<uint8_t const> data) {
+  impl_ = decompressor_registry::instance().create(type, data);
+}
+
+shared_byte_buffer
+block_decompressor::decompress(compression_type type,
+                               std::span<uint8_t const> data) {
+  block_decompressor bd(type, data);
+  auto target = vector_byte_buffer::create_reserve(bd.uncompressed_size());
+  bd.start_decompression(target);
+  bd.decompress_frame(bd.uncompressed_size());
+  return target.share();
+}
+
+shared_byte_buffer
+block_decompressor::start_decompression(mutable_byte_buffer target) {
+  impl_->start_decompression(target);
+  target.freeze_location();
+  return target.share();
+}
+
+shared_byte_buffer
+block_decompressor::start_decompression(byte_buffer_factory const& bbf) {
+  auto target = bbf.create_mutable_fixed_reserve(impl_->uncompressed_size());
+  return start_decompression(target);
+}
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression/base.h b/src/compression/base.h
index 51956faa..81c742ee 100644
--- a/src/compression/base.h
+++ b/src/compression/base.h
@@ -19,7 +19,7 @@
  * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
  */
 
-#include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
 
 namespace dwarfs {
 
diff --git a/src/compression/brotli.cpp b/src/compression/brotli.cpp
index f6b95282..c06d18ad 100644
--- a/src/compression/brotli.cpp
+++ b/src/compression/brotli.cpp
@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@
 
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
 #include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
@@ -152,58 +154,73 @@ class brotli_block_decompressor final : public block_decompressor_base {
       decoder_;
 };
 
-class brotli_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+template <typename Base>
+class brotli_compression_info : public Base {
  public:
-  static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::BROTLI};
-
-  brotli_compression_factory()
-      : options_{
-            fmt::format("quality=[{}..{}]", BROTLI_MIN_QUALITY,
-                        BROTLI_MAX_QUALITY),
-            fmt::format("lgwin=[{}..{}]", BROTLI_MIN_WINDOW_BITS, 30),
-        } {}
+  static constexpr auto type{compression_type::BROTLI};
 
   std::string_view name() const override { return "brotli"; }
 
+  static std::string version_string(uint32_t hex) {
+    return fmt::format("{}.{}.{}", hex >> 24, (hex >> 12) & 0xFFF, hex & 0xFFF);
+  }
+};
+
+class brotli_compressor_factory final
+    : public brotli_compression_info<compressor_factory> {
+ public:
   std::string_view description() const override {
     static std::string const s_desc{
-        fmt::format("Brotli compression (encoder {}, decoder {})",
-                    version_string(::BrotliEncoderVersion()),
-                    version_string(::BrotliDecoderVersion()))};
+        fmt::format("Brotli compressor (encoder {})",
+                    version_string(::BrotliEncoderVersion()))};
     return s_desc;
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return options_; }
 
   std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override {
     return {fmt::format("libbrotlienc-{}",
-                        version_string(::BrotliEncoderVersion())),
-            fmt::format("libbrotlidec-{}",
-                        version_string(::BrotliDecoderVersion()))};
+                        version_string(::BrotliEncoderVersion()))};
   }
 
   std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map& om) const override {
+  create(option_map& om) const override {
     return std::make_unique<brotli_block_compressor>(
         om.get<uint32_t>("quality", BROTLI_DEFAULT_QUALITY),
         om.get<uint32_t>("lgwin", BROTLI_DEFAULT_WINDOW));
   }
 
+ private:
+  std::vector<std::string> const options_{
+      fmt::format("quality=[{}..{}]", BROTLI_MIN_QUALITY, BROTLI_MAX_QUALITY),
+      fmt::format("lgwin=[{}..{}]", BROTLI_MIN_WINDOW_BITS, 30),
+  };
+};
+
+class brotli_decompressor_factory final
+    : public brotli_compression_info<decompressor_factory> {
+ public:
+  std::string_view description() const override {
+    static std::string const s_desc{
+        fmt::format("Brotli decompressor (decoder {})",
+                    version_string(::BrotliDecoderVersion()))};
+    return s_desc;
+  }
+
+  std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override {
+    return {fmt::format("libbrotlidec-{}",
+                        version_string(::BrotliDecoderVersion()))};
+  }
+
   std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
     return std::make_unique<brotli_block_decompressor>(data);
   }
-
- private:
-  static std::string version_string(uint32_t hex) {
-    return fmt::format("{}.{}.{}", hex >> 24, (hex >> 12) & 0xFFF, hex & 0xFFF);
-  }
-
-  std::vector<std::string> const options_;
 };
 
 } // namespace
 
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(brotli_compression_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(brotli_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(brotli_decompressor_factory)
 
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression/flac.cpp b/src/compression/flac.cpp
index a92240da..709a9760 100644
--- a/src/compression/flac.cpp
+++ b/src/compression/flac.cpp
@@ -32,7 +32,8 @@
 
 #include <nlohmann/json.hpp>
 
-#include <dwarfs/compression.h>
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
 #include <dwarfs/pcm_sample_transformer.h>
@@ -477,15 +478,10 @@ class flac_block_decompressor final : public block_decompressor_base {
   std::unique_ptr<dwarfs_flac_stream_decoder> decoder_;
 };
 
-class flac_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+template <typename Base>
+class flac_compression_info : public Base {
  public:
-  static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::FLAC};
-
-  flac_compression_factory()
-      : options_{
-            fmt::format("level=[0..8]"),
-            fmt::format("exhaustive"),
-        } {}
+  static constexpr auto type{compression_type::FLAC};
 
   std::string_view name() const override { return "flac"; }
 
@@ -495,29 +491,41 @@ class flac_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
     return s_desc;
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
-
   std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override {
     return {fmt::format("libFLAC++-{}", ::FLAC__VERSION_STRING)};
   }
+};
+
+class flac_compressor_factory final
+    : public flac_compression_info<compressor_factory> {
+ public:
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return options_; }
 
   std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map& om) const override {
+  create(option_map& om) const override {
     return std::make_unique<flac_block_compressor>(
         om.get<uint32_t>("level", 5), om.get<bool>("exhaustive", false));
   }
 
+ private:
+  std::vector<std::string> const options_{
+      fmt::format("level=[0..8]"),
+      fmt::format("exhaustive"),
+  };
+};
+
+class flac_decompressor_factory final
+    : public flac_compression_info<decompressor_factory> {
+ public:
   std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
     return std::make_unique<flac_block_decompressor>(data);
   }
-
- private:
-  std::vector<std::string> const options_;
 };
 
 } // namespace
 
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(flac_compression_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(flac_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(flac_decompressor_factory)
 
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression/lz4.cpp b/src/compression/lz4.cpp
index 99351add..468f1738 100644
--- a/src/compression/lz4.cpp
+++ b/src/compression/lz4.cpp
@@ -24,7 +24,9 @@
 
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/conv.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
 #include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
@@ -153,77 +155,87 @@ class lz4_block_decompressor final : public block_decompressor_base {
   std::string error_;
 };
 
-class lz4_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+template <typename Base, compression_type Type>
+class lz4_compression_info : public Base {
  public:
-  static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::LZ4};
+  static constexpr auto type{Type};
 
-  std::string_view name() const override { return "lz4"; }
-
-  std::string_view description() const override {
-    static std::string const s_desc{
-        fmt::format("LZ4 compression (liblz4 {})", ::LZ4_versionString())};
-    return s_desc;
+  std::string_view name() const override {
+    if constexpr (type == compression_type::LZ4HC) {
+      return "lz4hc";
+    } else {
+      return "lz4";
+    }
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
+  std::string_view description() const override {
+    static constexpr std::string_view codec = [] {
+      if constexpr (type == compression_type::LZ4HC) {
+        return "LZ4 HC";
+      } else {
+        return "LZ4";
+      }
+    }();
+    static std::string const s_desc{fmt::format("{} compression (liblz4 {})",
+                                                codec, ::LZ4_versionString())};
+    return s_desc;
+  }
 
   std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override {
     return {fmt::format("liblz4-{}", ::LZ4_versionString())};
   }
-
-  std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map&) const override {
-    return std::make_unique<lz4_block_compressor<lz4_compression_policy>>();
-  }
-
-  std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
-    return std::make_unique<lz4_block_decompressor>(data);
-  }
-
- private:
-  std::vector<std::string> const options_{};
 };
 
-class lz4hc_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+class lz4_compressor_factory final
+    : public lz4_compression_info<compressor_factory, compression_type::LZ4> {
  public:
-  static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::LZ4HC};
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return {}; }
 
-  lz4hc_compression_factory()
-      : options_{fmt::format("level=[{}..{}]", 0, LZ4HC_CLEVEL_MAX)} {}
-
-  std::string_view name() const override { return "lz4hc"; }
-
-  std::string_view description() const override {
-    static std::string const s_desc{
-        fmt::format("LZ4 HC compression (liblz4 {})", ::LZ4_versionString())};
-    return s_desc;
+  std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl> create(option_map&) const override {
+    return std::make_unique<lz4_block_compressor<lz4_compression_policy>>();
   }
+};
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
-
-  std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override {
-    return {fmt::format("liblz4-{}", ::LZ4_versionString())};
+class lz4_decompressor_factory final
+    : public lz4_compression_info<decompressor_factory, compression_type::LZ4> {
+ public:
+  std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+    return std::make_unique<lz4_block_decompressor>(data);
   }
+};
+
+class lz4hc_compressor_factory final
+    : public lz4_compression_info<compressor_factory, compression_type::LZ4HC> {
+ public:
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return options_; }
 
   std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map& om) const override {
+  create(option_map& om) const override {
     return std::make_unique<lz4_block_compressor<lz4hc_compression_policy>>(
         om.get<int>("level", LZ4HC_CLEVEL_DEFAULT));
   }
 
+ private:
+  std::vector<std::string> const options_{
+      fmt::format("level=[{}..{}]", 0, LZ4HC_CLEVEL_MAX)};
+};
+
+class lz4hc_decompressor_factory final
+    : public lz4_compression_info<decompressor_factory,
+                                  compression_type::LZ4HC> {
+ public:
   std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
     return std::make_unique<lz4_block_decompressor>(data);
   }
-
- private:
-  std::vector<std::string> const options_;
 };
 
 } // namespace
 
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(lz4_compression_factory)
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(lz4hc_compression_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(lz4_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(lz4_decompressor_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(lz4hc_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(lz4hc_decompressor_factory)
 
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression/lzma.cpp b/src/compression/lzma.cpp
index f0ca1c69..9506e6e9 100644
--- a/src/compression/lzma.cpp
+++ b/src/compression/lzma.cpp
@@ -31,6 +31,8 @@
 #include <range/v3/view/join.hpp>
 #include <range/v3/view/map.hpp>
 
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
 #include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
@@ -392,7 +394,8 @@ size_t lzma_block_decompressor::get_uncompressed_size(uint8_t const* data,
   return usize;
 }
 
-class lzma_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+template <typename Base>
+class lzma_compression_info : public Base {
  public:
   static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::LZMA};
 
@@ -404,22 +407,21 @@ class lzma_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
     return s_desc;
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
-
   std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override {
     return {fmt::format("liblzma-{}", ::lzma_version_string())};
   }
+};
+
+class lzma_compressor_factory final
+    : public lzma_compression_info<compressor_factory> {
+ public:
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return options_; }
 
   std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map& om) const override {
+  create(option_map& om) const override {
     return std::make_unique<lzma_block_compressor>(om);
   }
 
-  std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
-    return std::make_unique<lzma_block_decompressor>(data);
-  }
-
  private:
   std::vector<std::string> const options_{
       "level=[0..9]",
@@ -433,8 +435,18 @@ class lzma_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
   };
 };
 
+class lzma_decompressor_factory final
+    : public lzma_compression_info<decompressor_factory> {
+ public:
+  std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+    return std::make_unique<lzma_block_decompressor>(data);
+  }
+};
+
 } // namespace
 
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(lzma_compression_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(lzma_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(lzma_decompressor_factory)
 
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression/null.cpp b/src/compression/null.cpp
index 10069377..d52e3eae 100644
--- a/src/compression/null.cpp
+++ b/src/compression/null.cpp
@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@
 
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
 #include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
@@ -90,7 +92,8 @@ class null_block_decompressor final : public block_decompressor_base {
   std::span<uint8_t const> data_;
 };
 
-class null_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+template <typename Base>
+class null_compression_info : public Base {
  public:
   static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::NONE};
 
@@ -100,26 +103,31 @@ class null_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
     return "no compression at all";
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
-
   std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override { return {}; }
+};
 
-  std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map&) const override {
+class null_compressor_factory final
+    : public null_compression_info<compressor_factory> {
+ public:
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return {}; }
+
+  std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl> create(option_map&) const override {
     return std::make_unique<null_block_compressor>();
   }
+};
 
+class null_decompressor_factory final
+    : public null_compression_info<decompressor_factory> {
+ public:
   std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
     return std::make_unique<null_block_decompressor>(data);
   }
-
- private:
-  std::vector<std::string> const options_{};
 };
 
 } // namespace
 
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(null_compression_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(null_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(null_decompressor_factory)
 
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression/ricepp.cpp b/src/compression/ricepp.cpp
index 2fb68f2e..2e3dd941 100644
--- a/src/compression/ricepp.cpp
+++ b/src/compression/ricepp.cpp
@@ -27,7 +27,8 @@
 
 #include <ricepp/ricepp.h>
 
-#include <dwarfs/compression.h>
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
 #include <dwarfs/varint.h>
@@ -241,15 +242,11 @@ class ricepp_block_decompressor final : public block_decompressor_base {
   std::unique_ptr<ricepp::codec_interface<uint16_t>> codec_;
 };
 
-class ricepp_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+template <typename Base>
+class ricepp_compression_info : public Base {
  public:
   static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::RICEPP};
 
-  ricepp_compression_factory()
-      : options_{
-            fmt::format("block_size=[{}..{}]", 16, 512),
-        } {}
-
   std::string_view name() const override { return "ricepp"; }
 
   std::string_view description() const override {
@@ -257,27 +254,38 @@ class ricepp_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
     return s_desc;
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
-
   std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override { return {}; }
+};
+
+class ricepp_compressor_factory final
+    : public ricepp_compression_info<compressor_factory> {
+ public:
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return options_; }
 
   std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map& om) const override {
+  create(option_map& om) const override {
     return std::make_unique<ricepp_block_compressor>(
         om.get<size_t>("block_size", 128));
   }
 
+ private:
+  std::vector<std::string> const options_{
+      fmt::format("block_size=[{}..{}]", 16, 512),
+  };
+};
+
+class ricepp_decompressor_factory final
+    : public ricepp_compression_info<decompressor_factory> {
+ public:
   std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
     return std::make_unique<ricepp_block_decompressor>(data);
   }
-
- private:
-  std::vector<std::string> const options_;
 };
 
 } // namespace
 
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(ricepp_compression_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(ricepp_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(ricepp_decompressor_factory)
 
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression/zstd.cpp b/src/compression/zstd.cpp
index 5a90d7ac..37a6f860 100644
--- a/src/compression/zstd.cpp
+++ b/src/compression/zstd.cpp
@@ -25,6 +25,8 @@
 
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
 #include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
@@ -158,14 +160,11 @@ class zstd_block_decompressor final : public block_decompressor_base {
   std::string error_;
 };
 
-class zstd_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
+template <typename Base>
+class zstd_compression_info : public Base {
  public:
   static constexpr compression_type type{compression_type::ZSTD};
 
-  zstd_compression_factory()
-      : options_{
-            fmt::format("level=[{}..{}]", ZSTD_MIN_LEVEL, ZSTD_maxCLevel())} {}
-
   std::string_view name() const override { return "zstd"; }
 
   std::string_view description() const override {
@@ -174,29 +173,39 @@ class zstd_compression_factory : public compression_factory {
     return s_desc;
   }
 
-  std::vector<std::string> const& options() const override { return options_; }
-
   std::set<std::string> library_dependencies() const override {
     return {fmt::format("libzstd-{}", ::ZSTD_versionString())};
   }
+};
+
+class zstd_compressor_factory final
+    : public zstd_compression_info<compressor_factory> {
+ public:
+  std::span<std::string const> options() const override { return options_; }
 
   std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
-  make_compressor(option_map& om) const override {
+  create(option_map& om) const override {
     return std::make_unique<zstd_block_compressor>(
         om.get<int>("level", ZSTD_maxCLevel()));
   }
 
+ private:
+  std::vector<std::string> const options_{
+      fmt::format("level=[{}..{}]", ZSTD_MIN_LEVEL, ZSTD_maxCLevel())};
+};
+
+class zstd_decompressor_factory final
+    : public zstd_compression_info<decompressor_factory> {
+ public:
   std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
-  make_decompressor(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
+  create(std::span<uint8_t const> data) const override {
     return std::make_unique<zstd_block_decompressor>(data);
   }
-
- private:
-  std::vector<std::string> const options_;
 };
 
 } // namespace
 
-REGISTER_COMPRESSION_FACTORY(zstd_compression_factory)
+REGISTER_COMPRESSOR_FACTORY(zstd_compressor_factory)
+REGISTER_DECOMPRESSOR_FACTORY(zstd_decompressor_factory)
 
 } // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/compression_registry.cpp b/src/compression_registry.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..fbbbb20e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/compression_registry.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#include <cstdlib>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <string>
+
+#include <dwarfs/detail/compression_registry.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs::detail {
+
+void compression_registry_base::register_name(compression_type type,
+                                              std::string_view name) {
+  if (!names_.emplace(std::string{name}, type).second) {
+    std::cerr << "compression factory name conflict (" << name << ", "
+              << static_cast<int>(type) << ")\n";
+    ::abort();
+  }
+}
+
+} // namespace dwarfs::detail
diff --git a/src/compression_registry.h b/src/compression_registry.h
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..098dcd5d
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/compression_registry.h
@@ -0,0 +1,125 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#pragma once
+
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <cstdlib>
+#include <functional>
+#include <iostream>
+#include <memory>
+#include <vector>
+
+#include <range/v3/algorithm/sort.hpp>
+#include <range/v3/range/conversion.hpp>
+#include <range/v3/view/map.hpp>
+
+#include <dwarfs/config.h>
+#include <dwarfs/library_dependencies.h>
+#include <dwarfs/detail/compression_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
+
+namespace dwarfs::detail {
+
+template <typename FactoryT, typename InfoT>
+void compression_registry<FactoryT, InfoT>::register_factory(
+    compression_type type, std::unique_ptr<FactoryT const>&& factory) {
+  auto name = factory->name();
+
+  register_name(type, name);
+
+  if (!factories_.emplace(type, std::move(factory)).second) {
+    std::cerr << "compression factory type conflict (" << name << ", "
+              << static_cast<int>(type) << ")\n";
+    ::abort();
+  }
+}
+
+template <typename FactoryT, typename InfoT>
+void compression_registry<FactoryT, InfoT>::for_each_algorithm(
+    std::function<void(compression_type, InfoT const&)> const& fn) const {
+  auto types = factories_ | ranges::views::keys | ranges::to<std::vector>;
+
+  ranges::sort(types);
+
+  for (auto type : types) {
+    fn(type, *factories_.at(type));
+  }
+}
+
+template <typename FactoryT, typename InfoT>
+void compression_registry<FactoryT, InfoT>::add_library_dependencies(
+    library_dependencies& deps) const {
+  this->for_each_algorithm(
+      [&](compression_type, InfoT const& info) {
+        for (auto const& lib : info.library_dependencies()) {
+          deps.add_library(lib);
+        }
+      });
+}
+
+template <typename FactoryT, typename InfoT>
+template <compression_type Type>
+void compression_registry<FactoryT, InfoT>::do_register() {
+  this->register_factory(Type, compression_registrar<FactoryT, Type>::reg());
+}
+
+template <typename FactoryT, typename InfoT>
+FactoryT const& compression_registry<FactoryT, InfoT>::get_factory(
+    compression_type type) const {
+  auto it = factories_.find(type);
+
+  if (it == factories_.end()) {
+    DWARFS_THROW(runtime_error,
+                 "unsupported compression type: " + get_compression_name(type));
+  }
+
+  return *it->second;
+}
+
+template <typename FactoryT, typename InfoT>
+compression_registry<FactoryT, InfoT>::compression_registry() {
+  using namespace ::dwarfs::detail;
+  using enum compression_type;
+
+  do_register<NONE>();
+#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBBROTLI
+  do_register<BROTLI>();
+#endif
+#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_FLAC
+  do_register<FLAC>();
+#endif
+#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBLZ4
+  do_register<LZ4>();
+  do_register<LZ4HC>();
+#endif
+#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBLZMA
+  do_register<LZMA>();
+#endif
+#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_RICEPP
+  do_register<RICEPP>();
+#endif
+#ifdef DWARFS_HAVE_LIBZSTD
+  do_register<ZSTD>();
+#endif
+}
+
+} // namespace dwarfs::detail
diff --git a/src/compressor_registry.cpp b/src/compressor_registry.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..aaf47899
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/compressor_registry.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,60 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/error.h>
+#include <dwarfs/option_map.h>
+
+#include "compression_registry.h"
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+namespace detail {
+
+template class compression_registry<compressor_factory, compressor_info>;
+
+} // namespace detail
+
+compressor_registry::compressor_registry() = default;
+compressor_registry::~compressor_registry() = default;
+
+compressor_registry& compressor_registry::instance() {
+  static compressor_registry the_instance;
+  return the_instance;
+}
+
+std::unique_ptr<block_compressor::impl>
+compressor_registry::create(std::string_view spec) const {
+  option_map om(spec);
+  auto nit = names_.find(om.choice());
+
+  if (nit == names_.end()) {
+    DWARFS_THROW(runtime_error, "unknown compression: " + om.choice());
+  }
+
+  auto obj = get_factory(nit->second).create(om);
+
+  om.report();
+
+  return obj;
+}
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/decompressor_registry.cpp b/src/decompressor_registry.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..83ac52b6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/decompressor_registry.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,50 @@
+/* vim:set ts=2 sw=2 sts=2 et: */
+/**
+ * \author     Marcus Holland-Moritz (github@mhxnet.de)
+ * \copyright  Copyright (c) Marcus Holland-Moritz
+ *
+ * This file is part of dwarfs.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is free software: you can redistribute it and/or modify
+ * it under the terms of the GNU General Public License as published by
+ * the Free Software Foundation, either version 3 of the License, or
+ * (at your option) any later version.
+ *
+ * dwarfs is distributed in the hope that it will be useful,
+ * but WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY; without even the implied warranty of
+ * MERCHANTABILITY or FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  See the
+ * GNU General Public License for more details.
+ *
+ * You should have received a copy of the GNU General Public License
+ * along with dwarfs.  If not, see <https://www.gnu.org/licenses/>.
+ */
+
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
+#include <dwarfs/error.h>
+#include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
+
+#include "compression_registry.h"
+
+namespace dwarfs {
+
+namespace detail {
+
+template class compression_registry<decompressor_factory, decompressor_info>;
+
+} // namespace detail
+
+decompressor_registry::decompressor_registry() = default;
+decompressor_registry::~decompressor_registry() = default;
+
+decompressor_registry& decompressor_registry::instance() {
+  static decompressor_registry the_instance;
+  return the_instance;
+}
+
+std::unique_ptr<block_decompressor::impl>
+decompressor_registry::create(compression_type type,
+                              std::span<uint8_t const> data) const {
+  return get_factory(type).create(data);
+}
+
+} // namespace dwarfs
diff --git a/src/library_dependencies.cpp b/src/library_dependencies.cpp
index 30aa3ddb..7a300303 100644
--- a/src/library_dependencies.cpp
+++ b/src/library_dependencies.cpp
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@
 
 #include <dwarfs/config.h>
 
-#include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
 #include <dwarfs/library_dependencies.h>
 
 namespace dwarfs {
@@ -93,13 +92,6 @@ void library_dependencies::add_common_libraries() {
   add_library("libboost", BOOST_VERSION, version_format::boost);
   add_library("phmap", PHMAP_VERSION_MAJOR, PHMAP_VERSION_MINOR,
               PHMAP_VERSION_PATCH);
-
-  compression_registry::instance().for_each_algorithm(
-      [this](compression_type, compression_info const& info) {
-        for (auto const& lib : info.library_dependencies()) {
-          add_library(lib);
-        }
-      });
 }
 
 std::string library_dependencies::as_string() const {
diff --git a/src/reader/filesystem_v2.cpp b/src/reader/filesystem_v2.cpp
index ed687bf2..297d3f4e 100644
--- a/src/reader/filesystem_v2.cpp
+++ b/src/reader/filesystem_v2.cpp
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@
 
 #include <fmt/format.h>
 
-#include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
 #include <dwarfs/history.h>
diff --git a/src/reader/internal/cached_block.cpp b/src/reader/internal/cached_block.cpp
index fab16ad0..00f17395 100644
--- a/src/reader/internal/cached_block.cpp
+++ b/src/reader/internal/cached_block.cpp
@@ -26,7 +26,7 @@
 #include <sys/mman.h>
 #endif
 
-#include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/logger.h>
 #include <dwarfs/mmif.h>
diff --git a/src/reader/internal/filesystem_parser.cpp b/src/reader/internal/filesystem_parser.cpp
index e3cb7594..9d7cd9d7 100644
--- a/src/reader/internal/filesystem_parser.cpp
+++ b/src/reader/internal/filesystem_parser.cpp
@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@
 #include <algorithm>
 #include <array>
 #include <cstring>
+#include <functional>
 #include <utility>
 #include <version>
 
diff --git a/src/writer/filesystem_writer.cpp b/src/writer/filesystem_writer.cpp
index dcca0e3f..b04206f5 100644
--- a/src/writer/filesystem_writer.cpp
+++ b/src/writer/filesystem_writer.cpp
@@ -34,7 +34,7 @@
 
 #include <folly/system/ThreadName.h>
 
-#include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
 #include <dwarfs/checksum.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/logger.h>
diff --git a/test/flac_compressor_test.cpp b/test/flac_compressor_test.cpp
index 6d481ff8..2fcda14e 100644
--- a/test/flac_compressor_test.cpp
+++ b/test/flac_compressor_test.cpp
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 #include <nlohmann/json.hpp>
 
 #include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
 #include <dwarfs/pcm_sample_transformer.h>
 #include <dwarfs/vector_byte_buffer.h>
 
diff --git a/test/ricepp_compressor_test.cpp b/test/ricepp_compressor_test.cpp
index 12ceb18f..49b642b6 100644
--- a/test/ricepp_compressor_test.cpp
+++ b/test/ricepp_compressor_test.cpp
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@
 #include <range/v3/view/concat.hpp>
 
 #include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
+#include <dwarfs/block_decompressor.h>
 #include <dwarfs/vector_byte_buffer.h>
 
 using namespace dwarfs;
diff --git a/tools/src/dwarfs_main.cpp b/tools/src/dwarfs_main.cpp
index ff7827f0..4a9d3376 100644
--- a/tools/src/dwarfs_main.cpp
+++ b/tools/src/dwarfs_main.cpp
@@ -82,6 +82,7 @@
 #endif
 
 #include <dwarfs/conv.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/file_stat.h>
 #include <dwarfs/fstypes.h>
@@ -1159,8 +1160,13 @@ int op_rename(char const* from, char const* to, unsigned int flags) {
 #endif
 
 void usage(std::ostream& os, std::filesystem::path const& progname) {
+  auto extra_deps = [](library_dependencies& deps) {
+    decompressor_registry::instance().add_library_dependencies(deps);
+  };
+
   os << tool::tool_header("dwarfs",
-                          fmt::format(", fuse version {}", FUSE_USE_VERSION))
+                          fmt::format(", fuse version {}", FUSE_USE_VERSION),
+                          extra_deps)
 #if !DWARFS_FUSE_LOWLEVEL
      << "USING HIGH-LEVEL FUSE API\n\n"
 #endif
diff --git a/tools/src/dwarfsck_main.cpp b/tools/src/dwarfsck_main.cpp
index 0f30d31e..68aac5c9 100644
--- a/tools/src/dwarfsck_main.cpp
+++ b/tools/src/dwarfsck_main.cpp
@@ -37,6 +37,7 @@
 #include <dwarfs/checksum.h>
 #include <dwarfs/config.h>
 #include <dwarfs/conv.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/file_access.h>
 #include <dwarfs/logger.h>
@@ -256,7 +257,11 @@ int dwarfsck_main(int argc, sys_char** argv, iolayer const& iol) {
   auto constexpr usage = "Usage: dwarfsck [OPTIONS...]\n";
 
   if (vm.contains("help") or !vm.contains("input")) {
-    iol.out << tool::tool_header("dwarfsck") << usage << "\n" << opts << "\n";
+    auto extra_deps = [](library_dependencies& deps) {
+      decompressor_registry::instance().add_library_dependencies(deps);
+    };
+    iol.out << tool::tool_header("dwarfsck", extra_deps) << usage << "\n"
+            << opts << "\n";
     return 0;
   }
 
diff --git a/tools/src/dwarfsextract_main.cpp b/tools/src/dwarfsextract_main.cpp
index 757a7cf6..04a5205b 100644
--- a/tools/src/dwarfsextract_main.cpp
+++ b/tools/src/dwarfsextract_main.cpp
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 #include <boost/program_options.hpp>
 
 #include <dwarfs/config.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/glob_matcher.h>
 #include <dwarfs/logger.h>
 #include <dwarfs/mmap.h>
@@ -143,6 +144,7 @@ int dwarfsextract_main(int argc, sys_char** argv, iolayer const& iol) {
   if (vm.contains("help") or !vm.contains("input")) {
     auto extra_deps = [](library_dependencies& deps) {
       utility::filesystem_extractor::add_library_dependencies(deps);
+      decompressor_registry::instance().add_library_dependencies(deps);
     };
 
     iol.out << tool::tool_header("dwarfsextract", extra_deps) << usage << "\n"
diff --git a/tools/src/mkdwarfs_main.cpp b/tools/src/mkdwarfs_main.cpp
index b62010e0..7ce27fb4 100644
--- a/tools/src/mkdwarfs_main.cpp
+++ b/tools/src/mkdwarfs_main.cpp
@@ -56,8 +56,10 @@
 #include <dwarfs/block_compressor.h>
 #include <dwarfs/block_compressor_parser.h>
 #include <dwarfs/checksum.h>
+#include <dwarfs/compressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/config.h>
 #include <dwarfs/conv.h>
+#include <dwarfs/decompressor_registry.h>
 #include <dwarfs/error.h>
 #include <dwarfs/file_access.h>
 #include <dwarfs/integral_value_parser.h>
@@ -700,6 +702,10 @@ int mkdwarfs_main(int argc, sys_char** argv, iolayer const& iol) {
 #endif
 
   auto constexpr usage = "Usage: mkdwarfs [OPTIONS...]\n";
+  auto extra_deps = [](library_dependencies& deps) {
+    compressor_registry::instance().add_library_dependencies(deps);
+    decompressor_registry::instance().add_library_dependencies(deps);
+  };
 
   if (vm.contains("long-help")) {
     constexpr std::string_view block_data_hdr{"Block Data"};
@@ -716,7 +722,8 @@ int mkdwarfs_main(int argc, sys_char** argv, iolayer const& iol) {
 
     std::string sep(30 + l_dc + l_sc + l_mc + l_or, '-');
 
-    iol.out << tool::tool_header("mkdwarfs") << usage << opts << "\n"
+    iol.out << tool::tool_header("mkdwarfs", extra_deps) << usage << opts
+            << "\n"
             << "Compression level defaults:\n"
             << "  " << sep << "\n"
             << fmt::format("  Level  Block  {:{}s} {:s}     Inode\n",
@@ -741,8 +748,8 @@ int mkdwarfs_main(int argc, sys_char** argv, iolayer const& iol) {
 
     iol.out << "\nCompression algorithms:\n";
 
-    compression_registry::instance().for_each_algorithm(
-        [&iol](compression_type, compression_info const& info) {
+    compressor_registry::instance().for_each_algorithm(
+        [&iol](compression_type, compressor_info const& info) {
           iol.out << fmt::format("  {:9}{}\n", info.name(), info.description());
           for (auto const& opt : info.options()) {
             iol.out << fmt::format("               {}\n", opt);
@@ -768,7 +775,7 @@ int mkdwarfs_main(int argc, sys_char** argv, iolayer const& iol) {
   if (vm.contains("help") or
       !(vm.contains("input") or vm.contains("input-list")) or
       (!vm.contains("output") and !vm.contains("debug-filter"))) {
-    iol.out << tool::tool_header("mkdwarfs") << usage << "\n"
+    iol.out << tool::tool_header("mkdwarfs", extra_deps) << usage << "\n"
             << basic_opts << "\n";
     return 0;
   }