
Double-click on the file you want to unzip.zip now can be found in the location you picked in step two.Īrchive Utility is Mac’s built-in tool that handles the. It is optional to check the box underneath if you need to see the content immediately after the extraction is done. Choose the directory where you want to keep the extracted files and click Extract.Right-click the file that you want to decompress and choose Extract All.

zip goes by the name of Compressed (zipped) folders and here’s how to use it: While it is possible to see the content of a zip file by double-clicking on it on Windows, you still need to extract the files to use it. Because you’re only using what your computer already has, there is no need to download another tool. Using an OS Built-In Toolįirst, let’s take a look at how to extract files using native software found in Windows and macOS. Let’s look at each one of these options in more detail. By using your operating system’s built-in software.There are two ways to extract zipped files: What Are the Most Popular Archive Formats?.To do this, open Spotlight on your Mac (Command+Space), and search for “Archive Utility. How to Change Archive Utility SettingsĮven though Archive Utility has no visible UI, you can change some of its settings.

If it was a single file, you’ll see that the file will return to its original state, with the name intact. If you are decompressing a folder or a Zip file that contained multiple files, it will show up as a folder with the same name as the archive. After several seconds, the file or the folder will decompress in the same folder. Navigate to the archive in the Finder app and double-click the Zip file. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Zip file that you downloaded on the internet or something that you compressed yourself. You can now move the compressed Zip file to another folder or send it along as an email attachment.

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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. If you compressed a single file or folder, the archive will carry the same name, with a “.zip” extension. Once the compression process is finished, you’ll see a new compressed file in the same folder. If you’re using multiple files, the Compress option will also show you how many files you’ve selected. Once you’ve made the selection, right-click on it to view the context menu. Here, click the “Compress” option.
