Zipping is the process of compressing several files or folders and storing them in a single compressed file called an "archive". Several types of archives exist. "Zip file" is the most common type of archive. Unzipping is the reverse of zipping - unzipping means decompressing a Zip file (or another type of archive) and extracting its contents, i.e. the original files & folders that where zipped and stored in the Zip file. You need to unzip a Zip file before you can access its contents.
 

Zipping allows you to store several files and folders in a single archive (Zip file). What's more, the archive is compressed, so it will be smaller than the original files. No information is lost when zipping so when you unzip your archive, you will get back exactly the same files that you started with. The amount of compression varies depending on the files you are zipping but you can often get a reduction in size of 50% or more. This has some important benefits.

If you need to e-mail files to a friend or colleague, zipping will allow you to reduce the size of the attachment. This means that the e-mail will be quicker to send, quicker to download by the recipient and will consume less space / mail quota in the recipient's mailbox. Zip files are also easier to handle because they package several files into one. This means that you can e-mail several files with just one attachment. Zipping is also useful for backup and storage of files. In addition, PowerZip allows you to password-protect (encrypt) your Zip file using 256-bit AES to provide a high level of security. This is useful when you need to protect confidential files or documents.

In order to create Zip files and other archives, you will need a Zip program such as PowerZip. While several compatible Zip programs are available on the market, PowerZip is generally recognized as being very easy to use while providing a comprehensive set of features (see Awards & Reviews, Customer Testimonials).

You can purchase PowerZip for $20* (US) and receive it immediately with online delivery. You will be protected by a 45-day 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee.

You can also download a free trial version of PowerZip. The trial version will expire after 45 days. You will then have to either purchase PowerZip or uninstall it.

First, please ensure that PowerZip is installed on your computer. If PowerZip is installed, it will appear in the Start menu under Programs. If you haven't yet installed PowerZip, please see "What software I need in order to zip?" above. Then, please follow the steps below.

Step 1: Right-click on the files you wish to compress and select "Zip"
Open My Computer (or Windows Explorer) and highlight all the items (files and / or folders) that you wish to zip. Now right-click on one of them and choose "Zip" from the menu:
 
 

Step 2: Enter the name of the Zip file and click Finish
PowerZip Compression Wizard will appear and you will be prompted to enter the name of the archive (Zip file) that you wish to create. Enter the name of the Zip file and click Finish:
 
 

Zipping and e-mailing in one step
If you want to quickly create a Zip file and send it by e-mail, you can simply highlight the files you wish to zip, right-click on them and choose "Zip and E-mail":
 
 

PowerZip will then zip the files and create a new e-mail message with the Zip file attached.