.ZIP (Zipped File) - File Extension

What is a ZIP file?

A ZIP file is a popular file format that is used to compress and archive data using the Zip compression method. It can be used to store a large number of files in a single location, making it easier to share or transfer them.

ZIP files are commonly used to distribute software, and they are also often used to back up data or to send a group of related files via email or other methods of electronic communication. You can open a ZIP file using various tools, such as WinZip, 7-Zip, or the built-in ZIP support in Windows and macOS.

The Zip format was developed by Phil Katz in 1989 and was first used in the PKZIP utility created by PKWARE, Inc. Since then, many tools and programs have added support for the Zip format, which has become a common way to compress and store data.

Besides PKZIP, other popular utilities for creating and working with ZIP files include WinZip, 7-Zip, and the built-in ZIP support found in many operating systems.

How to open a ZIP file

There are several ways to open a ZIP file, depending on the device and operating system you are using. Here are a few common methods:

On a Windows PC:

• When you right-click on the ZIP file, the context menu will give you the option to “Extract All.”
• Double-click on the ZIP file to open the built-in file archiver.
• Use a third-party file archiver such as WinZip or 7-Zip.

On a Mac:

• Double-click on the ZIP file to open it in the built-in Archive Utility.
• Use a third-party file archiver like The Unarchiver or Keka.

On a smartphone or tablet:

• Install a file archiver app, for instance, WinZip or RAR.
• Use the built-in support for ZIP files in your device’s file manager app.

Once you have opened the ZIP file, you can view the contents and extract (unzip) them to a location of your choice on your device.

How to convert a ZIP file

There are a few different ways to convert a ZIP file, depending on the type of file you want to create and the tools you have available:

To convert a ZIP file to another archive format, like RAR or 7Z:

1. Use a file archiver tool that supports the destination format, such as 7-Zip or WinRAR.
2. Select the ZIP file and choose the “Convert” or “Export” option.
3. Choose the desired output format and specify any additional settings or options.
4. Click “OK” or “Convert” to start the conversion process.

To convert a ZIP file to a non-archive format, including a Word document or an image:

1. Extract the contents of the ZIP file to a directory on your computer that you can access easily.
2. Use a file conversion tool or software that supports the destination format to convert the individual files.

To create a ZIP file from a collection of files, do the following:

1. Select the files you want to include in the ZIP file.
2. Right-click on one of the selected files and choose “Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder” from the context menu (on Windows).
3. Alternatively, use a file archiver tool, for example, 7-Zip or WinZip, to create a new ZIP file and add the files to it.

Keep in mind that some types of files, like executables or scripts, may not be suitable for conversion to other formats. In these cases, it may be necessary to keep the files in the original ZIP file and use a tool that can handle the specific file type.

More information

Phil Katz was an American computer programmer and the co-founder of PKWARE, Inc., a software company that was known for its PKZIP utility and other data compression and archiving tools.

Katz is best known for developing the Zip file format, which he introduced in 1989 with the release of PKZIP 1.0. The Zip format quickly became a popular standard for data compression and archiving, and it is still widely used today. Katz was born on November 3, 1962, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and he died on April 14, 2000, at the age of 38.