Computers

How do I zip a folder?

Updated 2026-08-14

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Quick answer

To zip a folder, right-click on the folder and select 'Send to' > 'Compressed (zipped) folder' on Windows, or right-click and select 'Compress' on macOS.

Zipping a folder is a straightforward process that allows you to compress files for easier storage or sharing.

Steps

  1. 1

    Zipping on Windows

    1. Right-click on the folder you want to zip. 2. Select 'Send to' from the context menu. 3. Click on 'Compressed (zipped) folder'.

  2. 2

    Zipping on macOS

    1. Right-click (or Control-click) on the folder you want to compress. 2. Select 'Compress [folder name]' from the context menu.

Zipping a Folder on Windows

On Windows, you can easily zip a folder using the built-in file explorer.

Zipping a Folder on macOS

macOS users can also zip folders directly from Finder without additional software.

Watch out for

  • Zipping a folder may not significantly reduce file size if the files are already compressed formats (e.g., images, videos).

FAQ

Can I zip multiple folders at once?

Yes, you can select multiple folders, right-click, and then follow the same steps to zip them together.

What if I can't find the zip option?

Ensure you are right-clicking on a folder, not an empty space, and that your operating system is updated.

How do I unzip a folder?

To unzip a folder, right-click on the zipped file and select 'Extract All' on Windows, or double-click the zipped file on macOS.