How to Zip Files

Compress files on Windows and Mac to save space

⚡Quick Answer

Windows: Right-click > Send to > Compressed folder. Mac: Right-click > Compress. Double-click to unzip. Use 7-Zip for passwords.

Select files, right-click > Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder. A new .zip file appears with your files inside.

💡Windows 11: Right-click > Compress to ZIP file.

Select files, right-click > Compress. Creates 'Archive.zip' (or named after single file).

💡Compressing multiple files creates 'Archive.zip'. Rename as needed.

Windows: Double-click .zip, then Extract All. Mac: Double-click .zip - extracts to same folder automatically.

💡Windows 11 can browse zip contents without extracting first.

Download 7-Zip (Windows) or use Terminal (Mac). In 7-Zip: Right-click > 7-Zip > Add to archive > Set password.

💡Built-in Windows/Mac zip doesn't support password protection.

Depends on file type. Text/documents: 60-90% smaller. Photos/videos (already compressed): 1-5% smaller.

Both compress files. ZIP is universal (built into Windows/Mac). RAR needs extra software but compresses slightly better.

Yes! Select the folder and zip it. The entire folder structure is preserved inside the zip.

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