How to Zip File on Mac
Do you want to compress your files into a zip file on your Mac? Zipping files is a great way to save storage space and make it easier to send multiple files as one attachment. In this tutorial, we will show you how to zip files on your Mac using the built-in Archive Utility.
Step 1: Select the Files
The first step is to select the files that you want to include in the zip file. You can choose multiple files by holding down the Command key while clicking on each file. Alternatively, you can select a group of consecutive files by clicking on the first file, holding down the Shift key, and then clicking on the last file.
Step 2: Right-click and Choose “Compress”
Once you have selected the files, right-click on any of the selected files. A context menu will appear.
Scroll down and hover over “Compress” in the menu. Another menu will open with different compression options.
- “Compress x Items”: This option will create a zip file with all selected items in their original location.
- “Compress x Items..”: This option allows you to choose where to save the zip file and what to name it.
If you want a quick way to create a zip file without specifying its name or location, simply choose “Compress x Items”.
Step 3: Wait for Compression
After choosing one of the compression options, macOS will start compressing the selected files into a zip archive. The time taken for compression depends on the size of the files and your computer’s processing power. Once done, a new zip file will appear in the same location as the original files.
Step 4: Extracting Zip Files
If you need to extract the contents of a zip file, simply double-click on it. macOS will automatically extract the files into a folder with the same name as the zip file.
Additional Tips:
- Delete Original Files: By default, macOS keeps the original files intact after compressing them into a zip file. If you want to save more space, you can manually delete the original files after verifying that the zip file is successfully created.
- Change Compression Format: Although macOS uses the ZIP format by default, you can change it to other formats like TAR or GZIP. To do this, open Finder Preferences, go to “Advanced”, and select your desired format from the “When creating archives” dropdown menu.
Congratulations! You now know how to zip files on your Mac. Start compressing your files today and enjoy more efficient storage and sharing!