How To Change A Folder Into A Zip File

Lesson 4: Working with Zip Files

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What is a cipher file?

A zip file is a fashion of group, or archiving, multiple files so they act similar one file. For example, let's say yous desire to email a folder of Give-and-take documents to someone. You could attach each file individually, but it would take a long time—especially if in that location are a lot of documents. A ameliorate solution would be to put all of the files into a nix file, and then attach the zip file to your e-mail.

showing a zip file in Windows

Another reward of zip files is that they are compressed, which means the full file size is smaller. If y'all're emailing a null file to someone or posting it to the Web, it takes less time to upload—and your recipients will also be able to download it more quickly.

Some file formats, similar MP3s and JPEG images, are already compressed. You can still zero these types of files, simply the file size may not get much smaller.

Creating zip files

Whether you lot're using Windows or macOS, you don't need additional software to create and open up zip files. That's because the basic zip file features are congenital into the operating arrangement.

To create a zip file in Windows:

Select the files you want to add to the zip file.

Selecting files
Right-click i of the files. A carte du jour will appear.

Right-clicking a file
In the carte, click Send to and select Compressed (zipped) folder.

Creating a zip file
A null file will appear. If you lot want, yous can type a new name for the zip file.

In Windows, in one case you've created a zip file you can then add more files to information technology past dragging them onto the cipher file's icon.

dragging an extra file to the zip file

To create a nil file in macOS:

Select the files you want to add to the nothing file.
Right-click one of the files. If right-clicking is not enabled, you can hold the Control key and then click. A menu will announced.
In the carte, click Shrink (the number will vary depending on how many files you have selected).
A cipher file will appear. By default, the file name will be Archive.cipher.
If you lot desire, you tin can type a new proper noun for the zip file.

In macOS, once you've created a goose egg file you cannot add more files to it. If you need to add files, you will demand to create a new zip file that contains all of the files you want.

Adding a password to your naught file

Some people prefer to utilize zip file programs such as seven-Zip, PeaZip, and StuffIt. These programs have additional features, like countersign protection. If you lot add a password to your goose egg file, information technology'due south of import to tell recipients what the password is so they can open information technology.

showing password protection using PeaZip

Opening aught files

To open a zip file in Windows:

Windows treats zilch files but like folders. You can open a nil file, move files in and out of it, and open private files just like you would if they were in a folder.

Double-click the zip file.
The aught file volition open. Yous can now double-click whatsoever file to open it.

Because Windows makes information technology easy to work with zip files, there's generally no need to unzip them. However, if you would prefer to unzip them you can only right-click the zero file's icon and select Extract All.

selecting extract all from the right-click menu

To open a zip file in macOS:

Opening a null file in macOS is slightly unlike from Windows. Instead of opening the naught file direct, it will unzip the files and place them in a new folder. You tin and so open up the binder to access individual files.

Double-click the zip file.
A folder will be created with the same name as the zip file. You lot can double-click the folder to open up it.
You tin at present double-click whatsoever file to open it.