Archives & disk images · .zip
What Is a ZIP File?
A .zip file is a compressed archive that bundles files and folders into one.
- Extension
- .zip
- Full name
- ZIP archive
- Type
- Archive
- MIME type
- application/zip
- Developed by
- Phil Katz, PKWARE (1989)
Free ZIP Tools
These run in your browser. Your ZIP files are never uploaded.
About ZIP Files
ZIP is the most common archive format. It packs any number of files and folders into a single file and usually compresses them, which makes downloads and email attachments smaller and keeps related files together. Windows, macOS, iOS and Android can all open ZIP files without extra software. Many other formats are ZIP archives in disguise, including DOCX, XLSX, PPTX, EPUB, JAR and APK. A ZIP can be protected with a password, though the old ZipCrypto method is weak; AES encryption is much stronger.
How to Open a ZIP File
- Windows
- Double-click to look inside, or right-click and choose Extract All.
- Mac
- Double-click and Archive Utility extracts it into a folder.
- iPhone & Android
- Tap it in the Files app to extract it. On Android, Files by Google extracts ZIPs.
- Any device
- Use the Unzip Files tool on this site to extract it in your browser.
ZIP File Questions
How do I make a ZIP file?
On Windows, select files, right-click and choose Compress to ZIP file. On a Mac, right-click and choose Compress. Or use the Zip Files tool here.
Why is my ZIP barely smaller than the files?
Photos, videos, MP3s and PDFs are already compressed, so zipping them saves little space.
Can I open a password-protected ZIP?
Only with the password. Windows can open ZipCrypto archives but not AES-encrypted ones; use 7-Zip for those.