Zip files store and transport multiple files in a single, compressed format. They are most often used to compress documents and multimedia files.

Creating a zip file for Windows

  1. Navigate to the location of the file or files you want to zip.
  2. Click the file to highlight it. For multiple files, hold Ctrl and select them all.
  3. Right-click the highlighted selection and choose Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.
  4. The zip file appears in the same folder as the original file, with the same name as the original file.

Extracting a zip file on Windows

Double-clicking a zip file lets you browse its contents. To extract the files, right-click the zip file and select Extract All. A wizard walks you through the extraction; just select the destination folder for the files.

Creating a zip file for Mac

  1. Navigate to the file or files you want to zip.
  2. Click the file to highlight it. For multiple files, hold Shift and select them.
  3. Control-click or right-click the highlighted file(s) and select Compress.
  4. The zip file appears in the same folder as the original file.

Extracting a zip file on Mac

Double-clicking a zip file automatically extracts its contents to the same folder where the zip file is located.