How to create ZIP files

Tech

Your collection of images, movies, documents, and games may quickly fill up the storage space of your PC or mobile. There is, however, a technique to clear up storage space without deleting anything.

Multiple files can be compressed into a ZIP file, which decreases their storage size without destroying anything. Because ZIP files are smaller after compression, they allow you to deliver larger files and folders.  A ZIP file saves time and space when compared to transmitting huge files over email.

You’ve come to the right place if you’re seeking instructions on how to make a ZIP file on every common device and operating system. 

  • Windows OS

Since Windows XP, the ability to create ZIP files has been a standard feature of Windows OS. There’s no need to install any third-party software to zip multiple files.

On Windows, you may create ZIP files by following these steps:

1). Choose the files and/or objects you want to compress from the drop-down menu.

2). Right-click on the space between the objects.

3). Choose “Send To” from the drop-down menu.

4). Select “Compressed (Zipped) Folder” from the drop-down menu that appears.

5). After a brief wait, the new ZIP file will appear in that directory.

You may alternatively create a ZIP file without choosing the things you want to compress. You may just make one.

1). Right-click any directory with your mouse.

2). Choose “New.”

3). After that, look for “Compressed (Zipped) Folder.”

4). Choose it and save it as a ZIP file.

5). Following that, drag and drop any files or folders inside the ZIP file.

  • MacOS

Mac OS also makes it simple to build ZIP files. It takes very little time to finish the procedure, and after you’re done, you’ll have freed up a lot of space on your hard disc.

On a Mac, you may create ZIP files in the following way:

1). Make a new folder on your computer.

2). Drag and drag anything into the folder that you wish to compress.

3). Select the folder with the right-click menu.

4). Choose “Compress (folder name).”

5). Allow the compression process to complete.

You may do this without establishing a new folder with single objects or numerous files. Creating a new folder is just for the sake of convenience.

  • Linux

Creating a ZIP file on Linux is as simple as a few mouse clicks. All you have to do now is choose the files and folders you want to compress. After that, you may transmit it to someone, save it somewhere else, or keep it just where you started.

The steps for creating a ZIP file on Linux are as follows:

1). Choose the files and folders you wish to compress from the drop-down menu.

2). Right-click on the space surrounding the items once you’ve finished choosing them.

3). Choose “Compress” from the drop-down menu.

4). You’ll be prompted to name the archive in a popup called “Create Archive.”

5). After that, choose “.zip” from the drop-down menu and click the “Create” button in the top-right corner.

6). After a little wait, the ZIP file will appear in the same directory.

ZIP support isn’t always installed, however, this is simple to fix. Simply type “sudo apt install zip unzip” and you should be able to compress files in ZIP format. It will not install ZIP support if your Linux build already has it.

This approach is compatible with Ubuntu and a variety of other Linux variants.

You may also compress files using the Command Line.

1). Type “CD Directory,” in this example “CD Documents,” into the Command Line.

2). Type “LS” to see the lists in the Directory.

3). Folder name: zip -r foldername.zip

4). Wait for the procedure to finish.

The archive and file names must match the names of your files. Along with the names, the extensions should be entered as well.

  • Android Device

Although desktops have native ZIP compression capabilities, Android phones do not. Don’t worry, WinZip is available for download from the Google Play Store. It’s both free and easy to use.

The following are the procedures for zipping files on Android:

1). Open the Google Play Store app on your Android device.

2). Look for WinZip.

3). Install the app on your device.

4). When you’re finished, open the app.

5). Find the things you wish to compress and select them.

6). Choose the things you want to use.

7). At the bottom of the tab, press the “ZIP” button.

8). Then touch “Zip Here” after selecting the directory.

9). Wait for the procedure to complete.

  • iPhone or iPad

You would imagine that creating ZIP files on an iPhone or iPad also necessitates the installation of an app, but you’d be wrong. Unlike Android, which lacks compression capabilities, iPhones or iPad can zip files natively. That is exactly what the Files app allows you to do.

This is how you compress files on an iPhone or iPad:

1). Locate the files you wish to zip up in the Files app.

2).  Tap the three dots (…) in the top-right corner of an iPhone, then Select. On an iPad, simply press Select in the upper-right corner.

3). Select all the files you wish to zip.

4). Hit Compress after selecting the three dots (iPhone) or More (iPad) in the bottom-right corner.

A ZIP file will be saved to the folder you selected.