The fastest way to zip and unzip files on MacĪrchiver is the tool you're looking for. We use zip files for sending large files and bundles of PDF or text files, but it's now used as a method to send large folders of images as well as for downloading applications or games from the internet. Zipping files is a time-tested method, and is largely unchanged. It uses the '.zip' filename, and its icon is typically a folder with a zipper running up the middle. If you've ever downloaded an app or extension directly from a developer website, chances are it was a zipped file. You often encounter zip files in emails, as mentioned, but also when downloading from the internet.

What is a zip file?Ī zip file is a lossless way to compress and archive files and folders. Below, we are going to explore how to unzip files on Mac, how to create zip archives, and showcase some archivers that make it really easy to zip and manage zipped files. How do you open a zip file on a Mac? Or what's the best way to do that? There are, of course, several methods for creating archives, such as built-in utilities, Terminal, and third-party apps.

Zip folder mac