FAQ: How to ZIP compress files on Windows/Mac/Mobile

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fulmar2
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FAQ: How to ZIP compress files on Windows/Mac/Mobile

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How to Create a ZIP File on Windows or Mac


Quick Tutorial in one image:

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Detailed Instructions on how to ZIP files:


ZIP files make it easier to upload large files to GOTOES.

Windows 11

Step 1: Find the files or folder

Open File Explorer and navigate to the files or folder you want to send.

To select more than one item:
  • Hold Ctrl while clicking individual files.
  • Use Shift to select a continuous group of files.
  • You can also put everything into one folder and ZIP the entire folder.
Select all of the files or folders that you want to include.

Step 2: Create the ZIP file

Right-click one of the selected items and choose:

Compress to ZIP file

Right-click the selected files and choose “Compress to ZIP file.”

Windows will create a new file ending in .zip in the same folder.

Type a descriptive name for the ZIP file and press Enter.

For example:

Code: Select all

myGPSfiles.zip
Using Windows 10?

Right-click the selected files, then choose:

Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder

Mac

Step 1: Find and select the files

Open Finder and navigate to the files or folder you want to send.

To select more than one item:
  • Hold the Command key while clicking individual files.
  • Use Shift to select a continuous group of files.
  • You can also place everything into one folder and compress that folder.
Step 2: Create the ZIP file

Right-click the selected item or items.

If your mouse does not have a right-click button, hold the Control key while clicking.

Choose one of the following:
  • Compress “filename” when one item is selected.
  • Compress X Items when several items are selected.
Right-click or Control-click the selected files, then choose “Compress.”

The ZIP file will appear in the same Finder folder.

When several files are selected, macOS may name the file Archive.zip. You can click the filename and give it a more descriptive name.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the ZIP file go?

It is normally created in the same folder as the original files.

Can I ZIP an entire folder?

Yes. Right-click the folder and use the same ZIP or Compress command.

Should I ZIP a file that already ends in .zip?

Usually not. Zipping an existing ZIP file rarely makes it smaller.

Why does my right-click menu look different?

Menu wording can vary slightly depending on the version of Windows or macOS. Programs such as WinZip, WinRAR, or 7-Zip can also add extra choices to the menu.

Quick Summary

Windows 11: Select files → Right-click → Compress to ZIP file

Windows 10: Select files → Right-click → Send to → Compressed (zipped) folder

Mac: Select files → Right-click or Control-click → Compress
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