When you first purchased your Mac, one of the biggest deciding factors you considered is most probably disk space. But as years go by using your computer, its disk space seems to become smaller and smaller by the day, no matter how diligently you delete unneeded files and unused programs. In the computing world, one could never have too much storage space. There are some ways you could save space on your Mac, including manually deleting files and programs or automatically doing so with the help of apps designed to clean out junk such as Outbyte MacRepair. Another way — albeit less popular — to free up Mac space is to compress and zip files. In this article, we’ll show you how to zip a file on Mac, unzip it, and protect it with a password.
To zip files In the search box on the taskbar, type file explorer, and then select it from the list of results. Right-click the file you want to zip, and then select Send to Compressed (zipped) folder. 7-Zip for 32-bit Windows: Download.exe: 64-bit x64: 7-Zip for 64-bit Windows x64 (Intel 64 or AMD64) Download.7z. 7-Zip files at SourceForge. 7-Zip at SourceForge. Download p7zip for Linux (Posix). The free Mac OS X file archiver; p7zip for Amiga. If you compressed multiple files, you’ll see a new file with the name “Archive.zip.” You should rename the file to make it easier to find. RELATED: The Fastest Ways to Rename Files on macOS. You can now move the compressed Zip file to another folder or send it along as an email attachment. How to Unzip Files and Folders on Mac. Link Type System Description; Download.exe: 64-bit Windows x64: 7-Zip for Windows: Download.exe: 32-bit Windows x86: Download.exe: 64-bit Windows arm64: Download. Simply drag and drop the file or folder that you want to zip onto the program icon. In seconds, a PC friendly zip file will appear. You may want to check out more Mac applications, such as Express Zip File Compression, Zip View Pro or Express Zip Free Mac Compression Program, which might be similar to Zip Files 4 PC. Download Zip Files 4 PC.
How to Zip a File on Mac
Converting any standard file to a compressed zip file the traditional way is effortless. You can do this to photos, videos, audio files, and documents, among others. Here are the steps:
- In Finder, look for the file or folder you want to compress and zip. Right-click or Ctrl-click on it.
- Select “Compress [name of file or folder].”
- Wait for the compression process to finish. Larger files may take time to end compressing.
- Once done, a new .zip file will appear in the same location as the original file or folder. You will also hear a system alert tone to notify you of the recently completed compression.
You can now send these compressed files or folders via email. You may also choose to delete the original files and folders if you want to save on disk space, but note that you can’t readily open or view the zipped versions. You’ll need to unzip them first (more on that later).
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How to Zip Multiple Files on Mac
You can also compress multiple files and/or folders. Here’s how:
- First, you have to create a new folder in Finder or Desktop. Press Shift + Command (CMD) + N).
- Name the new folder.
- Drag the files you want to zip together to the folder you just created. IMPORTANT: Before dropping the files, hold down Alt to make sure that the files are copied to the new folder.
- Once all the files you want to zip together are in the folder, Ctrl+Click on the folder, then choose Compress.
- A new zip file should now be created.
- Drag the folder (not the zip file) you created earlier to the Trash.
How to Change the Save Location of Your Zip Files
By default, a zipped file or folder will be saved in the same place where the original is saved. But, you may also choose a dedicated destination for all of your compressed files. It is done by opening the compression app. In Mac, it’s called the Archive Utility. A simple Spotlight search can easily find it. After searching for the app on Spotlight, open it. Click the Archive Utility drop-down menu at the top of the screen, then click Preferences. Select the menu named Save archive, then select into. Next, choose your desired destination.
How to Open and Unzip a Zip File on Mac
Opening a zip file to view its contents is pretty straightforward. Just double-click on the file, and it will open. The zip file can still be seen in the location folder, but an unzipped copy will also be created in the same location. Meanwhile, if were sent a compressed file in a format other than zipping, such as .rar, you’ll need to use an app to decompress it, such as The Unarchiver. You can get this app for free from the App Store. Once installed, the app automatically works pretty much exactly like your Mac’s built-in zip tool. Just double-click the archive file, then the files and folders will be extracted and saved in the same location as the archive file.
How to Enable or Disable a Browser From Extracting Zipped ‘Safe’ Files Automatically
Zip Mac Files For Pc Download
Some web browsers, such as Safari, automatically unzip downloaded compressed files that they consider to be safe by default. In Safari, these safe files include movies, pictures, sounds, PDFs, text documents, and archives. However, if you prefer to decompress downloaded zip files yourself, you can opt out of this feature.
In Safari, go to the drop-down menu. Locate and select Preferences, then click the General tab. Down below the window, you will see “Open “safe” files after downloading.” Leave the box checked if you want Safari to decompress these safe files automatically. Otherwise, untick the box.
How to Protect Your Zip Files With a Password
Now, here’s the more challenging bit. If you want to conceal some of your files, you can do so protecting it with a password. It is an excellent solution for highly confidential files since you probably won’t bother going through the quite complicated process to protect regular files. You may also do this for files that you are about to send through an unsecured messaging or mailing system. When you encrypt a zip file or folder, anyone who is trying to access the file using whether a Mac or PC will have to enter the password you create. To protect your zip file with a password, you’ll have to do it in the Terminal. As an example, let’s assume that the file is named softwaretested.jpg. Now, follow these steps:
- Open Terminal by going to Applications > Utilities > Terminal. You may also search for it on Spotlight.
- Type in cd Desktop then hit Enter/Return.
- Type in zip -e softwaretested.zip softwaretested.jpg, then hit Enter/Return.
- At this point, Terminal will ask you for the password. Type in the password you have in mind. Note that it will appear as if nothing is happening, but it’s designed this way so that the password will be concealed.
- When done typing the password, hit Enter/Return.
- The Terminal will ask you to verify the password. Type it again, then hit Enter/Return.
- Let Terminal finish the job. Status progress will be shown in the form of a percentage. When done, close the Terminal window.
A Note on Naming Your Zip Files
If you plan to protect a zip file or folder with a password, it is recommended that you don’t put spaces on the file name as much as possible. Telling the Terminal to password-protect a file with a name that has spaces will require you to do extra work. For instance, if your filename is software tested.jpg, you’ll have to type the code so as:
zip -e software tested.zip software tested.jpg
It’s not that difficult, but you should take extra caution whenever dealing with a file with spaces on its filename.
How to Password-Protect a Zip Folder
If it’s a zip folder you want to put a password on, change the -e extension to -er. For instance, zip -er softwaretested.zip softwaretested.
How to Open a Password-Protected Zip File or Folder
If you were sent a password-protected zip file or want to open your encrypted files, just double-click on them as usual, then enter the password when asked.
Zipping files on Mac is just one of the ways you can save space on your computer and compress big files and folders before sending them to someone else. Know of other file compression tips and methods? Share them with us in the comments below!
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Compression tools offer an easy way to zip, store, and share large files. However one would require a dedicated tool to extract and open the compressed files, this is where a RAR File Extractor Software comes in place.
A RAR File Extractor Software offers an easy and hassle free way to unzip compressed files and view the data stored in them.
The market is filled with numerous best RAR file extractor tools each offering a unique set of features. These tools support various file archive formats and are extremely easy to use.
Let’s have a look at some of the best .rar opener tools along with their functionalities and choose the most appropriate tool.
Best Rar File Extractor Tools For Windows & Mac in 2020
The top-rated and best RAR extractor tools that you can pick for both personal and business use in 2020 are the following. Pick one to open all kinds of zipped files within seconds.
Also See: Best PC Optimizer Software For Windows 10,8,7
1. WinZip – Best .rar Opener Tool
WinZip is undeniably one of the most popular and best .rar opener software that one can use to open compressed files. It comes with a simple and intuitive interface that promises effortless working and task execution.
Let’s have a look at some of its prominent features:
- It supports multiple zip file-formats including ISO, RAR, 7z, CAB, and many more.
- It ensures complete data security and uses 128 and 256- bit key encryption to secure and protect your data.
- With this best rar file extractor software, you get cloud support including One Drive, Dropbox, and Google Drive.
- Using it is quite easy, just drop the files in the WinZip window and leave the rest to this wonderful tool.
- WinZip is fully compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms and also works seamlessly well on various smartphones.
All-in-all WinZip is a one-stop zipping and unzipping tool that you can pick to compress, Zip, protect and share your large-sized files. It comes with a free trial period of 21 days after which you can buy it at $29.95.
2. WinRar – Best RAR File Extractor Tool
Next on our list of best rar programs is this power-packed data compression tool. With this archive manager, you can easily extract and compress your large and bulky files. Use it to split your archive files into multiple volumes, repair corrupted files and password protect your files.
Here are some of its highlight features:
- In addition to RAR files, it also supports ACE, UUE, CAB, ARJ, and 7-zip file formats.
- Pick it to backup your data, compress and decompress multiple files and reduce file size in a hassle-free manner.
- WinRAR is also powered with an in-built antivirus program and deploys 128 and 256-bit password encryption that ensures data security.
- It also supports multimedia compression.
- Apart from this, you can also use this feature-rich and best RAR file extractor to open, edit, and create various file formats.
- WinRAR is fully compatible with both Mac and Windows platforms.
3. B1-Free Archiver – Free RAR Extractor
B1-Free Archiver is a great and the best free rar extractor backed with an efficient interface. It offers an incredible way to compress files and also ensures fast and secure file transfer. This archive manager tool is fully compatible with Linux, Mac, and Windows platforms and also runs perfectly well on Android devices.
Here are some of its highlight features:
- It can split your files and password-protect them.
- It is a lightweight application that promises smooth and fast performance.
- It supports multiple file-formats including RAR, ZIPX, JAR, 7Z, etc.
- It is a free RAR file extractor tool but can carry adware so keep your security walls tight if you plan to use it
4. Bandizip – RAR File Extractor Tool
Next on our list of best free RAR extractor is Bandizip. It can compress your files with 6X speed using multi-core and can easily support large files of up to 4GB size.
Also See: Must-Have Software For Windows 10
![Zip Mac Files For PC Zip Mac Files For PC](/uploads/1/1/7/8/117807465/636491719.jpg)
Here are some of its highlight features:
- It promises quicker and higher compression and supports multiple formats including ZIP, ZIPX, EXE, TAR, ISO, GZ, and much more.
- It uses an AES 256 encryption algorithm and password protects all your archived files.
- It is a multi-functional tool that supports seamless compression, decompression, archiving, and file browsing.
- Apart from this it also supports one-step decompression. You can also view your archive file list using Bandizip.
- It is compatible with Windows.
5. PeaZip – Tool to Extract RAR Files
If you are still searching for the best RAR file extractor, then consider PeaZip for unmatched functionality. It is a powerful utility tool and is compatible with the Windows platform.
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/1/7/8/117807465/998781483.png)
Here are some of its highlight features:
- Simple and convenient interface.
- It can support around 200+ different file formats for archiving and extraction.
- This best free rar extractor is suitable for both home and business users.
- It does not need any installation.
- It can extract, create, split, and convert archive files in a single go.
- It also uses 2FA and the password protects your files.
6. 7-Zip – Software to Open RAR File
No list of top-rated and best RAR file extractor is complete without this feature-rich tool. 7-Zip is a free application and can be used for both commercial and personal use.
Here are some of its highlight features:
- Clean and simple UI.
- Property sorted navigation button options for multiple tasks including editing, adding, extraction, copying data, etc.
- It supports both Windows and Mac platforms.
- It is highly popular for offering around 100% higher compression level as against its competitors.
- 16000000000 GB is the maximum file size that it can support.
7. Extract Now – Free RAR File Opener
Our last pick on the list of best rar file extractor is Extract now. It is the best free RAR extractor tool that can extract multiple files in no time. It is powered with an awfully simple and well-designed interface which offers class-apart working.
Also See: Best Registry Cleaner Software For Windows
Here are some of its highlight features:
- To use it you simply have to drag and drop your zip files in its windows and your job will be done.
- It works only on Windows platforms.
- It supports the easy extraction of various archive files.
- ZIP and RAR are the two main file formats supported by Extract Now along with few other formats.
- Use this reliable and best RAR extractor tool to manage file compression in a hassle-free manner.
Conclusion
These are some of the best RAR file extractor that you can pick to compress, save, and share your large size files. All the tools mentioned above offer a unique set of features without putting any load on your system resources.
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Pick the best-suitedRAR program to handle your file compression requirements with ease.