What is ZIP file? An overview

ZIP files are a specific type of compressed file. Compressed files can be used to reduce storage space. They also have the ability to combine multiple files or folders into one archive. ZIP files are just one type of archives, but they have special advantages over other compressed files.

What is behind the term ZIP

ZIP files are compressed files. Compressing means reducing or compacting the files to reduce the amount of space the file takes up on the hard drive. A compressed file is added to a so-called archive. ZIP is a specific type of compressed file and is very commonly used. A ZIP file can contain a single file, several files or even entire folders with their own structure. This way you can easily send even large files. ZIP files you can create in any operating system and unpack again without installing an additional program.

How to create a ZIP file

1. Navigate in Windows Explorer to the folder or file you want to pack.
2. Click with right on the file or select multiple files with the control key pressed and then click with right.
3. Wählen Sie „Zum Archiv hinzufügen“ aus.
4. Ein Dialogfenster wird geöffnet.
5. Wählen Sie den Archivnamen und den Speicherort.
6. Stellen Sie, wenn gewünscht, ein Passwort ein und nehmen Sie weitere Einstellungen vor.
7. Klicken Sie auf „OK“.
8. Das Archiv wird nun erstellt und besitzt dann die Dateiendung .zip.