How do I change permissions to extract a zip file?

How to Extract Files from a Zipped (Compressed) Folder

You can identify compressed files by the file extension (.zip) and a zipper on the folder icon.

Note:
If the zipped folder is attached in an email, you must first save the zipped file to your computer before you can extract it.

Extract/Unzip Zipped Files

When you extract files from a zipped folder, a new folder with the same name is created which contains the files. The compressed (zipped) version also remains.

1. Right-click the zipped folder saved to your computer. 
2. Choose "Extract All..." (an extraction wizard will begin).
3. Click [Next  >].
4. Click [Browse...] and navigate to where you would like to save the files.
5. Click [Next  >].
6. Click [Finish].

Note:
If the zipped file is protected with a password, you must provide the password before the file can be extracted to the specified folder. When you extract a file from a password-protected compressed folder, the extracted file is no longer protected.

Delete Zipped File After File Extraction

To delete the compressed version, right-click the zipped folder > Choose [Delete].

Zip (Compress) Multiple Files

"Zipped" or "Compressed" files are often sent as email attachments. The compression process helps to reduce file size. View the help page on how to Zip (Compress) Multiple Files if you would like instructions on creating a zipped file.

Keywords: Winzip, Win zip, file size, photos, pictures, e-mail, compress, compressed, compressing, condense, condensed, attachment, reduce, reduction, open, unzip, zipped

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Need to open or create a Zip file?

What is a ZIP file extension?

The Zip archive format makes it easier to send—and back up—large files or groups of files. A Zip file is a single file containing one or more compressed files, offering an ideal way to make large files smaller and keep related files together. The most popular compression format for Windows, Zip is commonly used for emailing and sharing files over the Internet. When you receive or download a Zip file, you need a way to extract or unpack it so you can access these files. WinZip, the world's most popular zip file opener, it is the fast and easy way to open your Zip files.

What are ZIP files used for?

ZIP is a versatile file format that is most commonly used to encrypt, compress, store and send multiple files as one, but that’s just naming a few.

With a compressed ZIP file, you can store single or multiple files into one archive, making the overall file size much smaller while retaining the original data and quality. This is especially useful for larger files, as many cloud sharing and email services have a max limit for data and the number of files you may upload.

Using the ZIP file format, storing your files locally or on the cloud is also advantageous as the compression can reduce the file size by more than half depending on what you’re zipping.

Encryption is also a key feature for the ZIP file extension, as it allows you to password protect your file, which can be especially handy when sharing sensitive data.

To summarize, the ZIP file format is best used for:

• Compressing files to reduce the file size
• Sending multiple files by email, cloud services, or social media
• Encrypting your sensitive data with password protection

How to Create & Compress ZIP Files

With WinZip, creating and compressing ZIP files has never been easier. Within just a few clicks, you can turn any file or folder into a ZIP to be stored, sent, and used at your leisure.

The compression ratio differs depending on the file formats used when you make a zip file but will always provide a smaller file format once it’s zipped. An added bonus when creating a ZIP file is that all your folder contents will combine into one file, which makes for much easier sharing on email and social media services.

When you ZIP a file with WinZip, it will be compressed by default. However, you can tweak the settings to ZIP your files with more, less, or no compression.

To create a ZIP file with WinZip, please follow these steps:

1. Open WinZip
2. Find and select the files you wish to ZIP from your PC, network, or cloud services in the files panel.
3. Click “Add to Zip”.
4. In the actions panel, click “Save as”.
5. Choose any local, network or cloud location where you wish to save your new ZIP file.
6. You may also choose to email it, share it in an instant message or via supported social media platforms.

To compress your existing files and ZIP files, follow these steps:

1. Locate the file(s) you want to compress
2. Open the submenu by right-clicking the file you want to compress, then clicking on WinZip. Under this, you will get the following options:
   • Add to Zip file from which you can build a Zip file name, encryption method, and compression type.
   • Add to [filename].zip(x) option that uses a default compression method to create a Zip file.

Converting ZIP Files

Since ZIP files are very handy to send through email and social media, the most common way to convert a ZIP file is back to its original format once it has landed on its destination. This is done simply by opening the ZIP, dragging and dropping the contents on your desktop.

Converting your files into ZIP is very easy with WinZip. All you need to do is follow these steps:

How to convert to ZIP on Windows:

1. Open the File Explorer.
2. Locate and select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to convert to a ZIP format.
3. Right-click on the highlighted file, folder, or group.
4. Hover over the Send to option on the menu.
5. Select the compressed (zipped) folder.
6. Name your ZIP file and press Enter.

How to convert to ZIP on macOS:

1. Open the Finder.
2. Locate and select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to convert to a ZIP format.
3. Press Ctrl and click on the highlighted file, folder, or group.
4. Select Compress from the options on the menu. (Following Compress will be the file name of one selected file or folder, or the number of items you have highlighted if you are grouping multiple files or folders at once.
5. Name your ZIP file and press Enter.

How to Send a ZIP File

The ZIP file format is ideal for sending on email and supported social media channels, as it’s a format where you can group up multiple files and compress into a smaller size. But if you’re wondering how to send a ZIP file, don't fret!

Just follow these simple steps to learn how to send a ZIP file through any email provider:

1. Compose the email message and click the paperclip icon below the composition window to select “Attach files”.
2. Select the ZIP file from your hard drive.
3. You will see the name of your ZIP file below the composition window. Click send.
4. The recipient receives the ZIP file as a normal attachment.

How to send a ZIP file through the cloud:

1. Open your cloud storage
2. Select upload file or drag & drop your ZIP file.
3. Send the cloud folder by email or as a downloadable link.

Encrypting & Password Protecting ZIP Files

Password protecting your ZIP files is essential when sharing sensitive data, and With WinZip, you can password protect and encrypt your ZIP files with certified 128- or 256-bit AES encryption in just three easy steps.

To password protect your ZIP file, please follow the steps listed below:

1. Open WinZip and click Encrypt in the Actions pane.
2. Drag and drop your files to the center NewZip.zip pane and enter a password when the dialog box appears. Click OK.
3. Click the Options tab in the Actions pane and choose Encryption Settings. Set the level of encryption and click Save.

Done! Your ZIP file will now be protected with your chosen password no matter where you send it. If you intend to send the file, keep in mind that the recipient will need to know the password in order to open the file.

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