Zip a File in 3 Quick Steps
Works on most operating systems. See platform-specific guides below for detailed instructions.
Select Your Files
Click on the file you want to zip. Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) to select multiple files.
Right-Click & Compress
Right-click and select "Compress" (Mac), "Send to > Compressed folder" (Windows 10), or "Compress to ZIP file" (Windows 11).
Name Your Zip File
A new .zip file appears in the same folder. Rename it if needed. Done!
Choose Your Platform
Detailed, step-by-step instructions for every operating system.
Windows
Built-in zip, 7-Zip, and WinRAR methods for Windows 10 & 11.
Read guideMac
Finder right-click, Terminal commands, and Keka for macOS.
Read guideLinux
zip, tar, gzip commands and GUI file manager methods.
Read guideiPhone / iPad
Use the built-in Files app to create zip archives on iOS.
Read guideAndroid
Built-in file manager and ZArchiver for Android devices.
Read guideOnline
Free browser-based tools to zip files without installing anything.
Read guideMore Zip File Guides
Everything else you need to know about zip files.
How to Unzip a File
Extract files from zip archives on any platform.
Password Protect a Zip File
Encrypt your zip files with a password for security.
How to Zip Multiple Files
Batch compress multiple files and folders at once.
How to Reduce Zip File Size
Tips to get the smallest possible compressed files.
How to Email a Zip File
Gmail, Outlook size limits and workarounds.
Best Zip Software (2026)
Compare 7-Zip, WinRAR, PeaZip, and more.
What Is a Zip File?
A zip file (also called a zip archive) is a compressed file format that bundles one or more files into a single, smaller package. Zip files use the .zip extension and are supported natively by Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Zipping files is useful for:
- Reducing file size — Compressed files take up less storage space and are faster to transfer.
- Bundling multiple files — Send a folder of files as a single attachment instead of many separate ones.
- Email attachments — Stay under email attachment size limits by compressing files first.
- Organization — Archive old files into neat compressed packages.
The zip format was created in 1989 and has become the most widely used archive format in the world. Every modern operating system can create and open zip files without any additional software.
Have more questions? Check out our frequently asked questions about zip files.