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How to Create & Compress ZIP Files

With WinZip, creating and compressing ZIP files has never been easier. Within just a few clicks, you can turn any file or folder into a ZIP to be stored, sent, and used at your leisure.

The compression ratio differs depending on the file formats used when you make a zip file but will always provide a smaller file format once it’s zipped. An added bonus when creating a ZIP file is that all your folder contents will combine into one file, which makes for much easier sharing on email and social media services.

When you ZIP a file with WinZip, it will be compressed by default. However, you can tweak the settings to ZIP your files with more, less, or no compression.

To create a ZIP file with WinZip, please follow these steps:

1. Open WinZip
2. Find and select the files you wish to ZIP from your PC, network, or cloud services in the files panel.
3. Click “Add to Zip”.
4. In the actions panel, click “Save as”.
5. Choose any local, network or cloud location where you wish to save your new ZIP file.
6. You may also choose to email it, share it in an instant message or via supported social media platforms.

To compress your existing files and ZIP files, follow these steps:

1. Locate the file(s) you want to compress
2. Open the submenu by right-clicking the file you want to compress, then clicking on WinZip. Under this, you will get the following options:
   • Add to Zip file from which you can build a Zip file name, encryption method, and compression type.
   • Add to [filename].zip(x) option that uses a default compression method to create a Zip file.

Converting ZIP Files

Since ZIP files are very handy to send through email and social media, the most common way to convert a ZIP file is back to its original format once it has landed on its destination. This is done simply by opening the ZIP, dragging and dropping the contents on your desktop.

Converting your files into ZIP is very easy with WinZip. All you need to do is follow these steps:

How to convert to ZIP on Windows:

1. Open the File Explorer.
2. Locate and select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to convert to a ZIP format.
3. Right-click on the highlighted file, folder, or group.
4. Hover over the Send to option on the menu.
5. Select the compressed (zipped) folder.
6. Name your ZIP file and press Enter.

How to convert to ZIP on macOS:

1. Open the Finder.
2. Locate and select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to convert to a ZIP format.
3. Press Ctrl and click on the highlighted file, folder, or group.
4. Select Compress from the options on the menu. (Following Compress will be the file name of one selected file or folder, or the number of items you have highlighted if you are grouping multiple files or folders at once.
5. Name your ZIP file and press Enter.

How to Send a ZIP File

The ZIP file format is ideal for sending on email and supported social media channels, as it’s a format where you can group up multiple files and compress into a smaller size. But if you’re wondering how to send a ZIP file, don't fret!

Just follow these simple steps to learn how to send a ZIP file through any email provider:

1. Compose the email message and click the paperclip icon below the composition window to select “Attach files”.
2. Select the ZIP file from your hard drive.
3. You will see the name of your ZIP file below the composition window. Click send.
4. The recipient receives the ZIP file as a normal attachment.

How to send a ZIP file through the cloud:

1. Open your cloud storage
2. Select upload file or drag & drop your ZIP file.
3. Send the cloud folder by email or as a downloadable link.

Encrypting & Password Protecting ZIP Files

Password protecting your ZIP files is essential when sharing sensitive data, and With WinZip, you can password protect and encrypt your ZIP files with certified 128- or 256-bit AES encryption in just three easy steps.

To password protect your ZIP file, please follow the steps listed below:

1. Open WinZip and click Encrypt in the Actions pane.
2. Drag and drop your files to the center NewZip.zip pane and enter a password when the dialog box appears. Click OK.
3. Click the Options tab in the Actions pane and choose Encryption Settings. Set the level of encryption and click Save.

Done! Your ZIP file will now be protected with your chosen password no matter where you send it. If you intend to send the file, keep in mind that the recipient will need to know the password in order to open the file.