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How to Zip a File on Mac, with Photos

Updated: September 4, 2023 by Jerry Dale | Leave a comment

ZIP is one of the most popular compression formats. Zipping a file on Mac can be used to shrink it to half its normal size. Zipping a file isn’t as complicated as people think. In this article, we’ll explore how you can easily zip a file on your Mac to save storage space.

What is a Zip File?

A zip file is a compressed file that can be used to store large amounts of data. Zip files are often used to send large attachments via email, or to download multiple files from a website at once. On a Mac, you can create and extract zip files using the built-in Archive Utility, or by using a third-party app like WinZip.

How to Zip a File on Mac Using Archive Utility

To zip a file on Mac, you can use the built-in Archive Utility. To do this, follow these steps:

Open Finder.
Select the files you want to compress.
Tap the three dots at the top right side of the screen
Select Compress. Once you do this, a new zipped file in the same location as the original file.

How to zip a file — *Open Finder.*
©History-Computer.com

To see this method in action check out the video below which walks you through the process.

How to Send Zip Files on a Mac Through Email

Sending zip files on a Mac through email is a pretty straightforward process. Here’s how to do it:

Open the Mail app and create a new message.
Click the paper clip icon in the top-right corner of the message.
Select the file from its location on your computer.
Enter the recipient’s email address and any other necessary details, then click Send.

Send Zip File — *Open the Mail app and create a new message.*
©History-Computer.com

Third-Party Apps You Can Use to Zip Files

There are many different ways to zip files on your Mac, but using a third-party app is one of the easiest options. Here are some apps you can use to zip files on Mac:

7-Zip

7-Zip is a great app for zipping files. This free, open-source software supports a wide range of file formats, making it a versatile tool for zipping files.

WinZip

WinZip has a Mac version that’s available for purchase. It’s easy to use and supports a wide range of file formats, making it a good choice for those looking for a comprehensive zip tool.

BetterZip

This app has a simple interface and can handle multiple files at once. It offers a number of features including the ability to password-protect archives. It’s a great option for those who need to zip large files or create password-protected archives.

Keka

Another popular option for zipping files on Mac is Keka. This app is available for free from the Keka website. It supports several popular file formats and has a clean, easy-to-use interface. Keka can also password-protect your zip files if you want to keep them extra secure.

How to Zip a File on Mac: 7 Must-Know Facts

Zipped files will have the “.zip” extension.
When you unzip a file, the original file is restored to its original size.
Zipped files can be password-protected for additional security.
You can uncompress a zip file by double-clicking on it.
You can rename a zipped file if you’d like.
You can zip multiple files into one zipped file.
Macs have a built-in utility called Archive Utility that can be used to zip and unzip files.

Benefits of Zipping Files

Zipping a file on a Mac has many benefits. Here are some of them:

It keeps files organized

Zipping a file on mac is a quick and easy way to keep your data organized and protected. Organizing files can be a pain, especially if you have a lot of them. With zipping, you can easily compress your files into one compressed folder. This makes it much easier to find and organize your files.

It saves space

When you zip a file on your Mac, it compresses the file so that it takes up less space on your hard drive. This can be extremely beneficial if you have a lot of files that you need to store on your hard drive. By zipping these files, you can save a lot of space on your hard drive.

You can transfer many files quickly

One of the great things about zip files is that you can transfer many files quickly. This can be really helpful when you’re moving a lot of data from one location to another. With a zip file, you can compress all of the data into a single file, which makes it much easier and faster to transfer.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I zip a file?

Zipping a file on mac can save you space and time. When you zip a file, it compresses the data so that it takes up less space on your hard drive. This can be helpful if you have large files that you want to store. Additionally, zipped files transfer faster than unzipped files, so it can be quicker to send a zipped file to someone than an unzipped file.

How do I password-protect a zipped file on Mac?

To password protect a zipped file on Mac, open Terminal, type “cd” and the destination of the file you want to zip, and then type the following command: “zip -er filename.zip”. This will prompt you to enter and confirm a password for the zip file.

How can I share a zipped file?

You can share a zipped file using a cloud storage service like Dropbox or iCloud Drive. This way, you can simply share a link to the file. You can also share a zipped file by attaching it to an email.

How do I open a zip file on my Mac?

To open a zip file on your Mac, simply double-click the zip file. This will extract the contents of the zip file into a new folder with the same name as the zip file. The new folder will be created in the same location as the zip file.

How can I recover a deleted zip file?

If you delete a zip file on your Mac, the first thing you should do is check the Trash to see if the file is there. If it is, you can simply drag the file out of the Trash and back to its original location. If the zip file isn’t in the Trash, you can try using a file recovery program to see if you can recover it. There are many file recovery programs available, both free and paid.