Create a Zip File

Zip files are single files, sometimes called “archives”, which contain one or more compressed files. Zip files make it easy to keep related files together and make transporting, e-mailing, downloading and storing data and software faster and more efficient.

Nearly all computers, laptops, phones, etc., have the apps installed that build and open zip files. There are free apps available that can be installed on your device.

To create a Zip file:

1. Save all of the documents to a folder on your computer
2. Select the files you want to add to the zip file (hold down the Ctrl button while selecting all of the documents)
3. Right-click on one of the files to open a menu
4. In the menu, click ‘Send to’, then click ‘Compressed (zipped) folder’ to create your zip file. Note that updates may have changed ‘Send to’ to ‘Compress to…”
5. The zip file can be renamed by right clicking the zipped file and choosing ‘Rename.’

When you receive a zip file and want to open it:

1. Right-click on the zip file
2. Click on ‘Extract all…’
3. A folder will be created in the same location as the zip file. You can choose a different place to create this folder
4. Click on the ‘Extract’ button in the lower-right corner of the pop-up window

And, you’re all done. Files are copied, compressed, then when you unzip them, they are just the way they were before you compressed or zipped them.And, you’re all done. Files are copied, compressed, then when you unzip them, they are just the way they were before you compressed or zipped them.