Here, we’ll explain what zipped files are, why you may need them, and how to zip files on both Windows 10 and Mac.
What Is A Zipped File?
A zipped file is any computer file or files that have been compressed.
File compression is a process where either your computer’s native software or a third-party company’s software shrinks the size of a file so it takes up less space. No matter the type of content you’re compressing, the end product will look like a folder icon with a zipper on it.
Whenever you see that zipper folder icon, you can know that that folder contains compressed files which, with the right permissions, you can extract and save elsewhere on your computer or laptop.
There are different reasons why you may want to zip a file. Most of them deal with space-related issues.
Why Would You Want To Zip A File
Have you ever tried to attach a file to an email, only for your email client to reject your file?
Normally when this happens it’s because the file you’re trying to attach is too big.
There are certain workarounds to fix this problem. For example, you could upload the file to a cloud drive and give the person you want to share the file access to that part of the cloud. Or you could put the file on a jump drive, and somehow deliver the memory stick to the person
The third option, of course, is zipping your files.
Oftentimes, you can compress a file so it’s small enough to attach to an email. Once you’ve sent the zipped file, the person who you sent it to could then unzip it on their end and use the files you sent.
Most zip file technologies do not lower the quality of the files that they compress. So don’t worry about ruining the files you’re trying to send.
Tools You Can Use To Zip Files
There are many different file zipping technologies out there. Many of them are free to use, although some will occasionally ask for an optional donation for program upkeep.
Examples of file-zipping software include:
- WinZip
- WinRAR
- 7-Zip
- Adobe Acrobat
- Pea Zip
- Native software
When we say “native software” what we mean is whatever software you have on your computer. Both Windows and Mac come with their own file-zipping software. These native technologies usually can’t do as much personalized compressing as other third-party software, but if you just need to do some quick file compressions, the software that comes with your operating system will probably do the trick.
How To Zip A File On Windows 10
It’s really easy to learn how to create a zipped file on Windows 10.
Just do the following.
- Find the files or folder that you want to zip. You can either put everything in one folder or you can drag and highlight everything.
- Right click on the folder or the selected files. From there, go to “Send to” and then “Compressed (zipped folder.)”
- A new zipped folder will pop up on your screen. Rename your zipped folder to something you’ll remember.
How To Zip Files On A Mac
The process to create a zip file with a Mac is similar to that of Windows 10.
Just do follow the steps below.
- Gather the files you want to compress into one folder or select all of the folders by using the drag and select method.
- Control-click the folder or selected files and then select “Compress” from the shortcut menu.
- Rename the folder to something that makes sense to you.
If you zipped a folder, the compressed folder will have the same name as the regular folder. The only difference is that the zipped folder will have a “.zip” extension at the end of the file name.
You can still rename the folder if you want.
eFileCabinet Offers Another Way To Send Documents
You can’t always trust free cloud services to keep your important documents safe, and jump drives get stolen, lost, or misplaced every day. Even a password protected zip file can pose a security risk sometimes.
eFileCabinet’s SecureDrawer lets you share and receive documents with large file sets safely and securely. SecureDrawer uses bank-grade encryption to make sure your large and small documents are always safe and sent to the person you intended to send them to.