A Tutorial on How to Zip and Unzip Files on Mac & Windows

File compression is the procedure of reducing any file’s size without altering its original content. Compressing files or data facilitates users to manage and transfer data conveniently. Besides this, it also facilitates users to save storage space. The majority of the masses opt for the ZIP archive format when it comes to compressing and storing files. As per Microsoft, since ZIP files occupy lesser storage space, they can get transferred to other systems or platforms quicker than regular or uncompressed files. This is one of the many reasons why millions of Mac and PC users use ZIP files daily. 

Both the popular computer operating systems, namely macOS and Windows, offer users numerous ways following which they can compress multiple files and turn them into a ZIP file. Moreover, they also offer numerous ways to uncompress a ZIP file. This article will cover numerous methods following which macOS and Windows users can zip or unzip files without hassle on their respective systems. Let us dive right into it:

macOS:

How to Zip Files on Mac:

If you are a macOS user who wishes to open ZIP files on Mac or compress files to create a ZIP file, there are numerous ways following which you can do so. Here is a detailed look at some of the most common methods:

Using Archiver – Archiver is a macOS-compatible third-party tool that allows users to create ZIP files quickly. It features a drag-and-drop interface that facilitates users to archive any file quickly. All the user needs to do to turn multiple files into a single ZIP file is open the app, drag the file they wish to zip, select the encrypt option if they wish to password-protect the file, enter the password, verify it and click on the “Archive” button. 

Using Archive – You can also create a ZIP file using macOS’ native Archive utility. To compress any file using Archive, you can easily do it by finding and selecting the files, right-clicking on them, and selecting the “compress” option present in the pop-up menu. 

Besides the aforementioned methods. macOS users can also zip files using Terminal. 

How to Unzip Files on Mac:

Using Archive – To unzip files using macOS’ native Archive utility, right-click on the zipped file or folder you wish to decompress, click on the “open with” option in the pop-up menu, and select the “Archive” utility option to complete the process.

Using Finder – Another popular method of decompressing or unzipping files is using macOS’ native Finder app. To unzip files using Finder, locate and select the ZIP file you wish to unzip and double-click on it. Doing so will open the contents of the zipped folder. From there, you can easily access any file you want without hassle. 

Windows:

How to Zip Files on Windows:

Similar to macOS, Windows also offers users numerous options, following which they can conveniently compress single or multiple files and turn them into a ZIP file. However, the majority of the users prefer opting for the native method of compressing ZIP files on Windows. Here are the steps following which Windows users can compress files and turn them into a ZIP file:

Step 1 – Press the “Ctrl” key, select the file or files you wish to compress, and turn it into a ZIP file. 

Step 2 – Right-click on any of the selected files to access the drop-down menu. 

Step 3 – Click on the “Send to” option in the menu. 

Step 4 – Click on the “Compressed (zipped) folder” option present in the “Send to” menu. 

Step 5 – A new ZIP folder icon will be created after you click on the “Compressed (zipped) folder” option. Rename the newly created folder. Ensure that the name does not have any special characters because if it does, the compression process will get canceled. 

Step 6 – Once you have renamed the folder, you can easily drag and drop any file you wish to add to the newly created ZIP file. 

How to Unzip Files on Windows:

Like the compression method, Windows offers a simple and easy solution for users, following which they can easily unzip files. Users can easily extract files and store them in the desired location with a few clicks. Here are the steps following which they can do so:

Step 1 – If you wish to extract all the files inside a ZIP file, right-click on the ZIP file to access the drop-down menu. 

Step 2 – Click on the “Extract All” option. 

Step 3 – Navigate to the location in the Save As dialog box where you wish to save the extracted files. 

Step 4 – Click on the “Extract All” option. 

Besides the aforementioned methods, Windows also supports numerous compression and decompression tools, which offer advanced zipping and extraction capabilities. If you wish to know how to compress or decompress files on Windows or Mac, refer to the steps mentioned above.