How to ZIP a File on Mac

So, you decided to create a ZIP file on your beloved Apple machine. We don’t blame you, there are many reasons to do so. It starts with the smaller size, continues to the ease of transfer and uploading to the Internet, continues with the ability to put a password. There’s no definite end, as new features are added and compression is improving. You can even encrypt some of them when generating a ZIP file nowadays! With that said, you first need to learn the basics and then build your knowledge as you progress. We intend to start there, so here’s how to ZIP a file on Mac in the shortest period possible.

Instructions to ZIP a file on Mac

1. Right-click on the file. If you’re using Trackpad, press Control then tap on it.
2. In the menu, select the option titled Compress “Name of your file”. The actual name of your file will be displayed instead of “Name of your file”.
3. A ZIP archive will be made in the same location as the source file.

Can I make a password-protected ZIP file?

Once again, you’ll need third-party software if you want to see a Graphical Interface while you do it. However, there’s a quick and easy way through the Terminal. Here’s how.

1. Create a new folder and drag the file into it.
2. Press Spacebar + Command buttons on your keyboard.
3. Open Spotlight and start typing ‘Term’, then double-click on the Terminal search result.
4. When it launches, paste this zip -er ZIPFileName.zip
   Change ZIPFileName into the desired ZIP file name.
5. Press Spacebar to add a space, then drag the folder into the Terminal window.
6. After its address gets written in the window, press Return or Enter on your keyboard.
7. You are first asked to Enter password, after which you’ll need to Verify password.
8. Enter it twice, although you won’t see anything happening. This is intentional, to prevent people from snooping.
9. Press Enter or Return again, and the file will appear in the same location as the folder you initially created.

The process of making a ZIP file on Mac wasn’t so hard, was it? And when you consider the benefits, your effort will pay off greatly. You’ll also be positively surprised when you extract the archive because the file is back to its original size.