How can I compress files on Mac?

A compressed file uses less disk space and is easier to send. It also allows you to combine multiple files into one archive. On the Mac, you create ZIP files very easily. You don't need to install a program to do this, as the function is integrated into the operating system.

Compress files on the Mac

Do you want to create a ZIP file yourself? Then you do not need a program on the Mac, but can use a pre-installed function to compress. The files are added to a so-called archive, which has the file extension .zip. You can also unpack these archives again with the Mac. The advantage of ZIP files is that they can be unpacked by all computers without installing a program. But in return the compression is not so efficient. So the file is not reduced in size as much as with an external program. If you want to reduce the files further or need more settings options, you can look at the programs Winrar and 7Zip. Both are available online for free.

Create a ZIP file

1. On your Mac, highlight one or more files.
2. Right-click on one of the highlighted files.
3. Select "Compress Objects".
4. Die Datei wird nun komprimiert und einem Archiv hinzugefügt.
5. Sie finden das Archiv im selben Ordner, in dem auch die Dateien gespeichert sind.
6. Um die Dateien wieder zu entpacken, klicken Sie mit rechts auf das Archiv und wählen Sie „Entpacken“.