Quick Answer
How do you zip and unzip a file?
On Windows, right-click the selected files and choose Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder. To unzip, right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All. On Mac, Control-click the selected files and choose Compress. Double-click a ZIP file to extract it.
What Zip and Unzip Mean
A ZIP file is a compressed archive that combines files and folders
into one package. ZIP files typically use the
.zip file extension.
Zipping can make collections of files easier to organize, upload, email, store, and share. Compression may also reduce the total file size.
Unzipping extracts the contents of the archive and returns them to regular files and folders that can be opened and used.
Use ZIP files to keep related assets together
When you need to upload or share multiple templates, images, exports, or other project assets, a ZIP archive can keep the complete collection in one organized file.
File Compression at a Glance
Before You Begin
Identify the archive or files you want to manage and choose a clear destination for the finished result.
- Locate the files, folders, or ZIP archive on your computer.
-
Confirm that the archive uses the
.zipextension. - Choose where extracted files should be saved.
- Confirm that enough storage space is available.
- Keep file and folder names short and clear.
- Avoid unnecessary special characters in file names.
-
Use a compatible third-party tool if the archive uses another format, such as
.7zor.rar.
Unzip Files
Use the instructions for your operating system to extract the contents of a ZIP archive.
Unzip a File on Windows
-
Locate the
.zipfile in File Explorer. - Right-click the ZIP file and choose Extract All.
- Select a destination folder or keep the default location.
- Click Extract.
Unzip a File on Mac
-
Locate the
.zipfile in Finder. - Double-click the ZIP file.
- Archive Utility extracts the contents into a folder in the same location.
Unzip a File with Terminal
- Open Terminal on Linux or macOS.
-
Use
cdto navigate to the folder containing the ZIP file. -
Run
unzip filename.zipto extract the archive. -
To choose another destination, run
unzip -d /path/to/destination filename.zip.
Check the archive format
If Windows reports that an archive is invalid, confirm that the
file is actually a ZIP archive. Files using formats such as
.7z or .rar may require a compatible
tool such as 7-Zip.
Zip Files
Select the files or folders you want to combine, then use the compression option available on your operating system.
Zip Files on Windows
- Select the files or folders you want to compress.
- Right-click the selected items.
- Choose Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder.
-
Rename the new
.zipfile if needed.
Zip Files on Mac
- Select the files or folders in Finder.
- Control-click or right-click the selected items.
- Choose Compress.
-
Finder creates
Archive.zipor uses the name of the selected item.
Zip Files with Terminal
-
To zip individual files, run
zip archive.zip file1 file2. -
To zip a complete folder, run
zip -r archive.zip folder_name.
File Compression Best Practices
.7z and .rar.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unzip a file on Windows?
.zip file, select
Extract All, choose a location, and click
Extract.
How do I unzip a file on Mac?
.zip file. Archive Utility
extracts it into a new folder in the same location.
How do I unzip a file with command line on Linux or macOS?
cd, and run
unzip filename.zip. To specify a location, use
unzip -d /path/to/destination filename.zip.
How do I zip files on Windows?
How do I zip files on Mac?
Archive.zip or a file named after the selected
item.
What file extension do zipped files have?
.zip.
What if I don't have built-in unzip tools?
Continue Learning
Continue learning how to prepare, upload, and manage files in BizStackPro with these related Help Center guides.
