How to Zip a File

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A zip file is a type of data compression with a .zip file extension name. It is a widely used archive format in the internet. The smaller file size significantly reduces the file download and upload-time. It may contain one or more files that are compressed to decrease its file size that is significantly smaller than the original size. If you have big files on your computer that are rarely used but are important, you can zip the file or files to save as much as 75 percent or more space in your hard drive. A zip file should be unpacked or decompressed to be able to use it. To access or store a zip file, you will need a compression utility such as, PicoZip, PentaZip, Stuff it, Power Archiver or PKZip In the windows environment, WinZip is the most popular data compression utility. Depending on what you use, below are some steps on how to zip a file.

Using WinZip

1. Open WinZip.

2. Select Create a new Zip file.

3. Click Next.

4. The WinZip wizard will guide you throughout the process.

5. To unzip a file, open WinZip or the windows explorer.

6. Click Unzip or install from an existing zip file.

Using Zip utilities in Windows Explorer

1. Install a Zip Utility like WinZip, PicoZip, PentaZip, Stuff it, Power Archiver or PKZip.

2. Then open Windows Explorer.

3. Right click on the folder or file that you want to compress.

4. On the shortcut menu, click Zip Program.

5. Click Add to Zip file or Add to Archive.

6. To unzip a file, Right click on the zipped file.

7. On the shortcut menu, click Extract.

Using Zip utilities in Outlook

1. Before sending an attachment through e-mail, it is advisable to compress the file or files for faster upload and download. Open a new message in Outlook, where most zip utilities work.

2. Click Insert File.

3. To insert the file into the message, double click the file if you have compressed it already.

4. Otherwise, right click on the folder or file that you want to send. On the shortcut menu, click Zip Program then select Zip and E-mail.

5. You can now compose your message then Send.

Using Windows XP

1. Open Windows Explorer.

2. Right click on the folder or file that you want to compress.

3. On the shortcut menu, click Send To.

4. Then select on Compressed (zipped) Folder.

5. To unzip a file, right click on the zipped file.

6. On the shortcut menu, click Extract.

Using Mac OS X

1. Control click on the file.

2. Choose Create Archive.

3. You can also click on the file and go the Action Menu. Then, choose Create Archive.

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