In order for the temporary files used by SXSSFWorkbook to be compressed, setTemporaryFiles(true) must be called before createSheet() is called. If this behaviour is expected, I feel it should be documented.
Created attachment 34952 [details] Documentation patch (tar.gz) This patch adds the text: "Setting this option only affects compression for subsequent <code>createSheet()</code> calls." to the javadoc for setCompressTempFiles().
When you create the sheet, all the temporary files needed for it are created. That's why a call to compress won't affect already created sheets, as those have already setup their files and have them all open uncompressed Patch committed in r1792720, thanks!