ZIP Files
How to Create a ZIP File
You don't need any extra software to build a ZIP file — both Windows and macOS include the feature natively.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
Windows 11 and Windows 10
- 1Select the files or foldersIn File Explorer, select everything you want to include (hold Ctrl to select multiple items).
- 2Right-click the selectionOn Windows 11, choose Compress to → ZIP file. On Windows 10, choose Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder.
- 3Rename if neededThe new
.zipfile appears with an editable name; rename it, then press Enter.
macOS
- 1Select the items in FinderClick, or Cmd-click for multiple files or folders.
- 2Right-click and choose CompressFinder labels it Compress N Items or Compress "name".
- 3Locate the resultA file named Archive.zip (or matching the single item's name) appears in the same folder.
Command line
| Platform | Command |
|---|---|
| macOS / Linux | zip -r archive.zip folder/ |
| Windows PowerShell | Compress-Archive -Path .\folder -DestinationPath .\archive.zip |
Third-party tools
Dedicated archive programs such as WinRAR or 7-Zip can also create ZIP files, and add options the built-in tools lack: choosing compression level, splitting into volumes, or adding a password. If you're deciding which tool to use for this, WinRAR vs. 7-Zip compares the two directly, and best archive software rounds up more options.
Naming and organization
- Avoid spaces and special characters in the ZIP's name if it will be shared across platforms or uploaded to a system that parses filenames.
- Keep a clear top-level folder inside the ZIP so extraction doesn't scatter files into whatever folder the recipient extracts into.
- Very large collections can be split into multiple ZIP volumes using third-party tools, similar to how multi-part RAR files work, though built-in Explorer and Finder compression do not support splitting.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
Can I password-protect a ZIP created in File Explorer or Finder?
No, neither built-in tool offers password protection. You need a third-party archive tool to add a password.
How do I add more files to an existing ZIP?
On Windows, drag additional files into the open ZIP window. On macOS, you generally need to recreate the archive with Compress, since Finder does not support adding to an existing ZIP.
Can I split a ZIP file across multiple parts?
Built-in Explorer and Finder compression cannot split archives. A third-party tool such as WinRAR or 7-Zip can create split/multi-volume ZIP archives.
Does compressing already-compressed files (like photos) save space?
Usually very little. Formats like JPEG and MP3 are already compressed, so a ZIP mainly bundles them into one file rather than shrinking them further.
Related guides
- ZIP Files Explained: The Universal ArchiveZIP is the one archive format that opens on almost any device without installing anything extra. Here is what it actually does and when to reach for it.
- How to Extract a ZIP FileExtracting a ZIP file needs no extra software on Windows or macOS — here is the exact process on each, plus command-line options.
- How to Create a RAR FileOnly RARLAB's own tools can create a genuine RAR archive. Here's how to do it in WinRAR, and what to consider if you'd rather not use it.
- WinRAR vs 7-ZipWinRAR and 7-Zip are the two archive tools people ask about most on Windows. Here is how they actually differ, feature by feature.
WinRAR is a trademark of its respective owner. RareExplorer is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RARLAB or win.rar GmbH. Read our editorial policy to see how this page was researched.