How to Zip a File

Compress files into a zip archive to save space or share them more easily.

1. Right-click the file or folder you want to zip

   On Mac, right-click (or Control-click) the item in Finder. On Windows, right-click the item in File Explorer.

2. Select the compress/zip option from the menu

   On Mac, click "Compress [filename]". On Windows 11, click "Compress to ZIP file". On Windows 10, hover over "Send to" and click "Compressed (zipped) folder".

3. Rename your new zip file if needed

   The zip file appears in the same folder as the original. On Mac it defaults to "Archive.zip" — click once to select it, press Return, and type a new name. On Windows it creates a .zip with the original name already highlighted for editing.