How to Save a Document as a ZIP File

Techwalla may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. Learn more about our affiliate and product review process here.
Image Credit: Jupiterimages/Pixland/Getty Images

A ZIP file is a compressed version of a file. When you zip a file, data storage space can be reduced up to 80 percent. Benefits of smaller files include saving space on your hard drive, and sending email more quickly. Zipping files also helps to encrypt and protect data sent via email. Whether you use a PC or a Mac, saving a document as a ZIP file is easy to do.

Advertisement

Saving ZIP Files on a PC

Video of the Day

Step 1

Move your cursor over the document you want to save as a ZIP file.

Video of the Day

Step 2

Right-click on the document and choose "Add to Zip" or "Add to Archive" (depending on your program) from the pop-up shortcut menu. The document will be saved as a ZIP file with a .zip extension.

Advertisement

Step 3

Choose "Configure" or "Options" from the shortcut menu to make any settings changes you desire.

Saving ZIP Files on a PC with Windows XP

Step 1

Move your cursor over the document you want to save as a ZIP file.

Advertisement

Step 2

Click on the right mouse button, then click on "Send To," then "Compressed (Zipped) File." The document will be saved as a ZIP file with a .zip extension.

Step 3

Choose "Configure" or "Options" from the shortcut menu to make any settings changes you desire.

Advertisement

Saving ZIP Files on a Mac with Shortcut

Step 1

Move your cursor over the document you want to save as a ZIP file.

Advertisement

Step 2

Right-click on the file and choose "Create Archive of [file name]."

Advertisement

Step 3

The file will be saved as a ZIP file and appear on your desktop.

Saving ZIP Files on a Mac with Finder

Step 1

Move your cursor over the document you want to save as a ZIP file.

Advertisement

Step 2

Click on the document once.

Step 3

Move your cursor to the "File" option in the Finder Menu and click on it. Scroll down and click on "Create Archive of [file name]."

Step 4

The file will be saved as a ZIP file and appear on your desktop.

Advertisement

Advertisement

references

Report an Issue

screenshot of the current page

Screenshot loading...