How to Create a ZIP File in Windows
There are several ways to create a ZIP file. Here’s one easy approach for creating a ZIP file in Windows.
How to Create a ZIP File on a Mac
Macs include a built-in ability for compressing and unzipping files.
How to Email a ZIP File
Just as every OS has its own method of creating ZIP files, each email client has its own method for sending them. However, sending a ZIP file via email involves the same steps as sending any file over email. So, if you know how to send, for example, a Word document, as an attachment, you’ll follow the same steps to send a ZIP file. As an example, here’s how it’s done in Gmail.
What’s a ZIP File, Anyway?
ZIP files are folders of files that have been reduced in size—that is, compressed. This allows you to send multiple files through email efficiently and without issues, and to store large files on your drive in less space.
Why Compressing Makes Sense
Most email applications limit the size of an individual message, including the body and header, plus any attachments. If you attempt to send several large attachments that exceed the limit, the message will fail to send. If you compress your files into a ZIP file, however, you can send the ZIP file in a single message without any problem. Many documents can be compressed to as little as 10 percent of their original size. As a bonus, combining several files into a ZIP file packs them neatly into a single attachment.
