Free Zip Tool

What is a zip tool?

A zip tool puts many files into one ZIP file, usually smaller, so it's easy to send, upload or keep.

ZIP is the archive format every computer opens without an extra app: Windows, Mac, Linux, phones.

Which compression to pick

The three settings trade time for size:

• Normal – the usual ZIP compression. Right for most files.
• Smallest – the most compression ZIP allows. A little smaller, a little slower.
• No compression – files go in as they are. Quickest, and right for photos, videos and PDFs, which are compressed already.

Text, code and spreadsheets shrink the most. A folder of documents can come out a fraction of its size.

Folders

Drop a folder, or click Choose a folder, and its structure goes into the ZIP as it is. The ZIP is named after the folder, and you can change the name.

Mac's hidden files left out

A ZIP made on a Mac often carries hidden files: a __MACOSX folder, files starting with ._, and .DS_Store. They hold Finder notes nobody else needs.

This tool leaves them out, so what you get is the files you meant to share.

Nothing is uploaded

The tool runs 7-Zip, the open-source archiver, compiled for the web, in your browser. Your files and your passwords never leave your computer.

The first time, the engine downloads, about 1.7 MB. After that it starts at once.

Who is the zip tool for?

It's for anyone sending more than one file:

• Compress PDF – people sending documents by email
• Compress image – anyone whose photos are too big to send
• Merge PDF – people putting scans together before sharing
• Image converter – anyone preparing photos to share

Freelancers use it to hand over a project's files in one download.

More free file tools

Here are my other zip tools, and two for files that are too big:

• Unzip files – open ZIP, RAR, 7z and TAR files
• RAR to ZIP – a RAR or 7z as a ZIP anyone can open
• Compress PDF – a smaller PDF before you zip it
• Compress image – photos too big to send

They're all free, in your browser, with no sign-up.