ZIP archive
What is a ZIP file?
A ZIP file is an archive: one file that contains many others, usually compressed to save space. The format dates from 1989 and is supported natively by every major operating system. Converters use ZIP when a job produces several files, such as one image per PDF page, so everything arrives in one download and stays in order.
How to open a ZIP file
- Windows
- Double-click it to look inside, or right-click and choose Extract All to unpack everything into a folder.
- Mac
- Double-click it; macOS unpacks it into a folder next to the ZIP automatically.
- iPhone
- Tap it in the Files app to unpack it into a folder in the same location.
- Android
- Open it in Files by Google and tap Extract to unpack the contents.
Good for
- Many files in one download
- Keeps folder structure and file order
- Opens without extra software on every system
Watch out for
- You have to unpack it before editing the files inside
- Some email services block ZIP attachments
- Compression does little for already-compressed files like JPG
ZIP file questions
Do I need an app to open ZIP files?
No. Windows, macOS, iOS and Android can all open ZIP files with their built-in file managers.
Why did my PDF come back as a ZIP?
The job produced several files, such as one image per page, so they're bundled together in one download.
Is a ZIP file safe to open?
The archive itself is harmless. As always, only open files inside it that you expected to receive.