What is zip-file?

You've probably seen or received a zip file before. But what exactly is it, when do you use it and how do you easily unpack it? Read on!

What is a zip file?

A zip-file is a compressed file in which one or more files and/or folders are joined together. The purpose of a zip-file is to:

• Saving space: By compressing files, they take up less storage space.
• Maintain overview: Multiple files can be bundled into one file.
• Easy to share: One zip file is easier to send via email or an upload than individual files.

When do you use a zip file?

• For large files or data sets: To reduce storage.
• When sending multiple files: To merge everything into one file.
• To secure files: Some zip files can be password protected.
• For backups: To archive a group of files or a folder.

How do you extract a zip file?

Windows:

• Right-click on the zip file.
• Choose "Extract All" or "Extract All."
• Select the location where you want to extract the files and click "Extract".

Mac:

• Double-click on the zip-file. The files are automatically extracted into the same folder as the zip-file.

Linux:

• Use the built-in file manager or a terminal.
• In the terminal, for example, you can use the command unzip filename.zip.

Mobile devices:

• Use a file manager or an app such as "WinZip" or "RAR" to extract the zip file.

Additional Tip:

If you want to create your own zip file, you can often use the right mouse button to choose an option such as "Compress" or "Add to zip archive."