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Maximizing storage on your Mac is crucial. One way to free up space is to compress files using the built-in zip function. By zipping files, you can fit more data per unit and transfer big files easily. If you are unsure about how to use the zip function, do not worry. Here’s a comprehensive guide about how to zip files on a Mac, how to extract zipped files, and how to encrypt them.
How to Zip a File on Mac
Zipping a file on a Mac is simple, all you have to do is right-click (or ctrl-click) the file or folder you want to compress, and select the “Compress [name]” option. A new .zip file will appear in the same location as the original file. The zipped file cannot be used or viewed at this stage; it must first be extracted.
How to Compress Multiple Files
To compress multiple files and/or folders, first create a new folder on the desktop or Finder. Name the folder accordingly. Then, drag and drop the files you’d like to zip into the folder while holding down the ‘alt’ key. Finally, right-click the folder and choose “Compress” from the menu.
How to Save Zip Files Elsewhere
Archive Utility is the application that performs the compression. To change the archive’s destination, open Archive Utility, click on the Archive Utility’s drop-down menu, and select Preferences. Under the ‘Save Archive’ heading, you can choose a new destination for the compressed file.
How to Extract (Unzip) a Zipped File on Mac
To extract a zipped file on a Mac, simply double-click the file, and an extracted copy will appear next to it. If you are extracting an archive that isn’t a zip file, like a .rar file, you need to install The Unarchiver from the App Store to extract files and folders automatically to the same location.
How to Automatically Extract ‘Protected’ Files from Zippers
Most web browsers will “unzip” files they consider safe when you download them, such as JPG files, PDFs, and movies. You can disable this option by going to ‘Preferences’ in Safari’s drop-down menu, selecting the ‘General’ tab and unchecking the option that says to “Open ‘safe’ files after downloading.”
How to Password Protect Zip Files
If you want to share sensitive files, but want to ensure that no unauthorized person has access to them, you can encrypt the zip file so that everyone – on both Macs and PCs – must enter a password to use or view the file or folder. The process is simple, but you will need to use Terminal. Here’s how:
First, open Terminal (Applications > Utilities, or type ‘Terminal’ into Spotlight search) and type in the following, pressing Enter after each line. Replace the parts in brackets with the correct file and folder name.
cd Desktop
zip -e [new_filename].zip [old_filename].[filetype extension]
You will be asked to enter a password. Type it out twice to confirm. The zip file will have the same filename as the original file, with a .zip extension.
Warning: Spaces in File And Folder Names!
If possible, rename the file or folder you want to compress so that it doesn’t have spaces. If that’s not possible, make sure to substitute spaces with underscores, which Terminal can understand.
How to Open a Password-Protected Zip File
To open a password-protected zip file, double click it as usual and enter the password when prompted. The zip file will be extracted normally
Alternative Zip Tools
StuffIt remains a powerful utility that some people still use, although most Mac users use the built-in zip function. StuffIt can do things that Mac’s built-in feature cannot, such as creating multiple archive formats. Simply drag the file or folder to the Zip tile in the StuffIt interface to create an archive.
FAQs
Can I use the built-in zip function on a PC?
No, the built-in zip function on a Mac is not compatible with PCs. However, you can download free third-party software such as 7zip, WinZip or WinRAR that will allow you to create zip files and folders on a PC.
Can I unzip files created by Windows users on my Mac?
Yes, the built-in Archive Utility on a Mac can unzip files created in Windows. Simply double-click the zip file, and Archive Utility will extract the files automatically.