How to Create and Ecnrypt ZIP File on Windows and macOS

When you intend to send large amounts of data by e-mail or want to store photos, videos, or documents on your hard drive, you need to compress the files. The easiest way to do this is to create a ZIP file.

The ZIP format works as a data container, creating a compact data package that contains the various files and folders, which can reduce its original size by up to 12%. In this way, it is not only possible to save space, but also allows you to send photos and videos by mail with a higher resolution.

When the recipient receives the file and decompresses it, it is once again the original size; compressing a file does not involve a loss of quality.

Advantages of creating a ZIP file

Save storage space: When creating a ZIP file, data is compressed by a certain percentage, ideal for storing photos and videos.
Send large amounts of data: With the ZIP format, it is possible to send large amounts of data quickly and compactly.
In addition, it is also beneficial for the recipient who saves time by not having to download each document individually.
Secure storage of confidential data: when creating a ZIP file, it is also possible to protect it with a password.

Compressing files with Windows

Compressing files with Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, or Windows 7 is relatively simple, as the operating system has everything needed to compress and decompress files. By following the steps below, it is possible to create ZIP files in a matter of seconds.

The easiest way is to create a new folder where to copy all the files you want to compress. To do this, simply right-click, select “New” and then “Folder”.
Once you have copied all the files you want to compress into the newly created folder, select the folder with the left mouse button, and with the right mouse button, open the context menu. Next, move the cursor to “Send to” and select “Compressed (zipped) folder”.
The compressed folder with the same name as the original will immediately appear in the same location, but with the extension .zip. You can then rename the folder as desired.

It is also possible to compress files without first creating a new folder. Simply select the files you wish to convert to ZIP format, right-click on the menu, select “Send to” then “Compressed (zipped) folder”. However, this method may not be the most accurate if used to compress a large number of files at the same time.

Creating encrypted ZIP files in Windows

If the ZIP file you wish to create contains confidential data, it can be protected from prying eyes with a password. In order to compress files in Windows 10 or a previous version and encrypt them, you need to use specific programs such as 7-ZIP, WinZip, or WinRAR. To proceed with the encryption of a ZIP file, you need:

Download one of the programs for encrypting ZIP files, such as 7-ZIP, which is free. Once the program is installed on the computer, it will appear as an additional option in the context menu.
If you right-click on the folder to be compressed, the context menu opens. Select “7-ZIP” then “Add to archive…”.
Next, a window appears in which you can specify a password to encrypt the ZIP file. A number of additional options are also available. Confirm the entry with “OK”.
The ZIP file will then be created, and it can only be unzipped with the correct password.

Creating ZIP files with macOS

macOS does not require a special program to compress files. In fact, the process of creating a ZIP file is similar to that for Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11.

Select the files you wish to compress.
Right-click to open the context menu.
Select “Compress [filename]”.
The ZIP file will appear in the same location as the original.

Creating encrypted macOS ZIP files

7-ZIP is a data compression program originally developed for Windows. However, with the 7zX application, a Mac-friendly version is also available, which can be downloaded free of charge. With this program, just as in Windows, you can compress and encrypt confidential information.