Being able to create and extract .zip (compressed) files and folders can save you and your users time when it comes to uploading or downloading content. Zipped or compressed files can be either folders or files that are reduced in size. This can be especially helpful if you have a package of several files that need to be kept together to simply the downloading or emailing process.

The following examples and screen shots reference Windows Vista. The process is nearly identical with Windows XP.

Creating a .zip (compressed) file

Right mouse click on the folder or file you wish to compress.

Select "Send To > Compressed (zipped) Folder"

In our example the folder is named "Sample Folder". After the above process wee will now have a file called "Sample Folder.zip". We can now email or upload the single .zip file and all of the files contained in the original folder will be included.

IMPORTANT - If you wish to send multiple files inside of a single compressed package open the folder and highlight all of the files (left click > shift), the right mouse click the file list and follow the same process above.

Extracting a .zip (compressed) folder or file.

To extract a compressed file or folder

Right mouse click on the .zip file and select "Extract All"

Select the destination for your extracted folder. By default it will be the same location as your compressed file and select "Extract".

You will now have a folder with the same name as you compressed folder containing all of the folders and files fro the original .zip file.