Create a ZIP file
FileReshape's Create ZIP tool packs files and whole folders into one ZIP file in your browser, keeping the folder structure and file names in any language. Nothing is uploaded. You choose the compression; photos and videos barely shrink because they are already compressed. A ZIP made here holds at most 4 GB and 65,535 files, and it cannot be protected with a password.
Did a file not convert correctly? E-mail [email protected], ideally with a small sample file, and it will be fixed.
Key facts
- Works with: ZIP (.zip).
- Your files are not uploaded: the work is done in your browser, on your own device.
- File size: RAR and 7Z archives up to 1.5 GB; a ZIP you create holds up to 4 GB.
- Needs a current browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) on a computer, tablet or phone; nothing to install.
- Free to use, with no sign-up.
Why make a ZIP file
Many upload forms, email services and clients want one file instead of twenty, and a folder cannot be attached to an email at all. A ZIP file solves both: it bundles any number of files and folders into one, usually makes text, spreadsheets and documents smaller, and opens on every computer and phone without extra software. Drop files or a whole folder here, or use Add a folder, and the ZIP is built in your browser with the folder structure kept. File names with letters such as æ, ü, é or Chinese characters are stored in UTF-8, so they stay correct on Windows, macOS and Linux. Because nothing is uploaded, you can zip tax papers, ID scans or client files without them passing through a server.
How to zip files online
- Drop files or folders in the box, click to choose files, or click Add a folder.
- Remove anything you do not want with ×, choose the compression and give the ZIP a name.
- Click Create ZIP and save the file.
What to know about making ZIP files
How much smaller will it get?
Text, CSV, Word and PDF files with a lot of text often shrink by half or more. JPG photos, MP4 videos, MP3 music and files that are already ZIPs inside, such as .docx and .xlsx, are compressed already, so zipping them saves almost nothing. With Normal compression such files are stored as they are, which is just as small and much faster.
No password protection
This tool makes ordinary ZIP files without encryption. To protect files with a password, use 7-Zip (AES-256) on Windows or the zip command with -e on a Mac, and send the password by another channel.
Limits of 4 GB and 65,535 files
A plain ZIP can hold at most 4 GB and 65,535 files; larger ZIPs need the ZIP64 extension, which this tool does not write. The ZIP is also built in your browser's memory, so very large sets of files are better split into several ZIPs.
Folders and system files
Folders keep their subfolders inside the ZIP. Hidden system files such as .DS_Store from a Mac or Thumbs.db and desktop.ini from Windows are left out, and empty folders are not added.
About the formats
ZIP
ZIP is the most widely used archive format. Phil Katz published it with PKZIP in 1989, and Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android can all open ZIP files without extra software. One ZIP file holds many files and folders, each compressed on its own, which is why it is used for email attachments, downloads and backups.
- Each file is compressed separately, usually with Deflate, so one file can be taken out without unpacking the rest.
- The list of files sits at the end of the ZIP, so an interrupted download cannot be opened.
- A password can protect the contents with ZipCrypto (weak) or AES-256, but the file names stay readable.
- Without the ZIP64 extension a ZIP holds at most 65,535 files and 4 GB.
- Word, Excel and PowerPoint files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx), EPUB e-books and Android apps are ZIP files inside.
Frequently asked questions
Are my files uploaded?
No. The ZIP is made by your browser on your own device and saved straight from there.
Can I add a whole folder?
Yes. Drag a folder onto the box or click Add a folder. On an iPhone or iPad the browser only lets you choose files, not folders.
Will Windows and Mac open the ZIP?
Yes. It is a standard ZIP with Deflate compression, which Windows Explorer, macOS Finder, iOS, Android and every archive program open.
How do I unzip it again?
Double-click it on Windows or macOS, or open it with the Unzip tool here, which also extracts single files.