How to Compress Files Before Sending Them via Email

If you've been the unwilling recipient of large email attachments, you can understand the value of compressing files before sending them. Both Windows and Mac OS let you compress files. Here's how.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Windows

1. Put all the files you would like to compress in a folder. To create a new folder, right-click on the screen and scroll down to "New," and then to "Folder." Type in the name of the folder in the space where the text is highlighted.

2. Click and drag the files you want to compress into the new folder.

3. Right-click on the folder, select "Send To" and then click on "Compressed (zipped) Folder." A dialog box will appear that shows you the progress of the compressing files. Wait as the files are compressed.

4. Attach the compressed folder with the extension .zip to your email.

Mac OS

5. Move the files you would like to compress into a folder. To create a new folder, open a Finder window, select the File menu and click on "New Folder." Type a name for the folder in the space underneath the folder icon where the text is highlighted.

6. Click and drag the files you want to compress into the new folder.

7. Right-click on the folder and select "Create Archive." Wait as the files are compressed. You will see a dialog box indicating the progress of the action.

8. Attach the compressed file with the extension .zip to your email.