How to Get Zip Files
Compressed files, or zipped files, take up less storage and memory and can be transferred to other computers quickly and efficiently. Save time and space by zipping your computer files.
Up next in How to Use Computer Software (38 videos)
Learn how to use computer software, like how to get zip files, with this Howcast video series.
You Will Need
- Computer
- Zip utility (optional)
Steps
-
Step 1
Compress a file of folder
Locate the file you want to compress. Right click on it and select Send To or Add to Archive. Then select Compressed Folder. This will create a new, compressed folder.
-
Compressing large files can save 80 percent or more of disk space.
-
Step 2
Send a zipped attachment
Compose your e-mail message, and then click Add Attachments to add an existing zip file.
-
A zip utility, helps to manage, encrypt, package and backup zip files.
-
Step 3
Open files from a compressed folder
Locate the folder you want to get zipped files from. Double click on the folder to open it, and then double click on the desired file to open it or drag the file into a new location. To open all of the files in the compressed folder, right click on it and select Extract.
-
Step 4
Open zip files on a Mac
Open zip files on a Mac by saving the zip file to your desktop. Then double click on the file to unzip. The original zip archive may be saved but also extracted to a new folder. Enjoy the space you've saved by zipping your computer files.
-
Phil Katz created his PKzip file compression code when he was 23 years old.
