When you work with many documents, it’s quite likely that you’ll see a lot of zipped folders. But what are they? What’s inside of them? How do you get into them?
In this article, we’ll talk about what zipped files are, what you need to access them, and how to unzip files on Windows 10 and Mac.
What Is A Zipped File?
Zipped files are an easy way to condense a lot of data down into a single, smaller file. Usually, people zip files when the data they want to send requires too much storage for their email provider to handle. Zipping a file makes the file small enough to email to whomever you want. But the way documents are zipped prevents them from losing any quality due to file compression.
Once the recipient has downloaded the zipped file, they can then unzip it and extract all of the files using some simple software.
Tools You Can Use To Zip and Unzip Files
There’s a lot of free software out there that you can download that lets you zip and unzip files. All of the biggest names are pretty trustworthy.
Here are some of the most common zipping and unzipping programs on the market:
- WinZip
- EzyZip
- Microsoft’s native zip program
- WinRAR
- Adobe Acrobat
- Apple’s native software for Mac
- 7-Zip
- Pea Zip
Microsoft and Mac both come with native software that will allow you to zip and unzip files. Some people do not think these native programs zip folders well enough. Those who want their documents more compressed usually opt for one of the other free software options mentioned.
Unless your folder compression needs are really extreme, however, it probably doesn’t matter which software option you select.
If you want more details on how to zip files, view these step-by-step instructions.
How to Unzip a File on Windows 10
While zipping files usually required a couple steps, unzipping folders or extracting files is fairly simple.
For Windows 10 all you have to do is click on the zipped folder. A window will pop up where you can drag and drop all of the files you want from the zipped folder into a regular folder elsewhere on your computer.
How To Unzip Files On A Mac
For Mac users, all you have to do is double-click on the zipped folder. From there, you can drag and drop whatever you need.
Do I Need a Password?
Some zip programs allow you to password protect your zipped files. If someone has sent you a protected zip folder, then yes, you will need the password to open the files.
In most cases, however, people do not password protect their zip files. So most of the time, unzipping a folder should be pretty easy.
Access Your Files Safely With eFileCabinet
You can zip your files and send them to your coworkers and clients. You can even password protect them if you want. But not even a password is fool-proof in protecting your privacy. If you’re dealing with sensitive documents, from financial records to legal documents, you need a more secure option.
eFileCabinet is that secure option.
eFileCabinet’s secure sharing allows you to send documents through a portal with bank-grade encryption. Send documents of any size to anyone with the peace of mind that no one will get their hands on those documents unless they’re supposed to.
Chat with us today and learn more about how eFileCabinet can keep your documents safe and compliant!