If you’re looking to send files via email, organize backups, or save space, compressing files into a ZIP format is a handy solution. In the past, you’d need to download a separate file archiver app, which was a bit inconvenient. However, nowadays, you can easily create ZIP files directly on your Mac without any third-party software. Thanks to the built-in tool, compressing files is quick and easy. Whether it’s a single document or a whole folder, here’s how you can do it.
How Do I Create a ZIP File on a Mac
Creating a ZIP file on your Mac is straightforward and fast. The macOS system includes a built-in tool called Archive Utility for compressing and unzipping files. However, note that you’ll need a different tool to open RAR files.
1. How to Compress a Single File
To compress a single file, right-click (or control-click) on the file you want to compress. Then, select “Compress [File Name]” from the drop-down menu. A new ZIP file will be created in the same folder while the original file remains unchanged.
2. How to Zip Multiple Files
To compress multiple files, first select all the files you want to compress. You can do this by dragging a box around them with your mouse or trackpad, or by holding the Command key and clicking each file. Then, right-click (or control-click) and choose “Compress” from the drop-down menu. A new ZIP archive will appear in the folder, leaving the original files unchanged.
