How to Make a Zip File on Mac for a Single File or Folder
Compress and decompress a single file or folder using Finder to access the Archive Utility built into Macs.
Zip Multiple Files and Folders
Compressing multiple files and folders works about the same as compressing a single item. The main difference is the name of the zip file. The Archive Utility zips the selected file and leaves the original file or folder intact.
How to Unzip Files
To unzip a file or folder, double-click the zip file. The file or folder decompresses in the same folder as the compressed file. If the zip file contains one file, the new decompressed item has the same name as the original. If a file with the same name exists, the decompressed file has a number appended to its name. This same naming process applies when a zip file contains multiple items. If the folder contains an Archive, the new folder is called Archive 2.
Third-Party Apps for Zipping and Unzipping Mac Files
The built-in compression system that can zip and unzip files in macOS and OS X is relatively basic, which is why many third-party apps are also available. A quick look at the Mac App Store reveals more than 50 apps for zipping and unzipping files. If you want more file compression features than Apple offers in its Archive Utility, these third-party apps might help:
The Unarchiver WinZip (Mac Edition) Mr. Zipper Keka BetterZip 5
