How to Open Zip Files With a Mac

Macintosh computers have extracting utilities in their current operating system, OS X. Zip files are compressed archives created by PCs to save space for easier transfer. Mac refers to zipped files as stuffed or compressed files.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Save the zip file to your desktop. If your zip file was downloaded from a website, it may be saved in the Downloads folder in your Documents or user directory.

2. Double-click the zip file to unzip. Depending on your settings, downloaded files may automatically extract to a new folder. The original zip archive will be saved; check for a folder with the same name as your zip file.

3. Check the extracted folder to make sure the contents are not zipped. Sometimes documents and subfolders will be compressed, and these need to be unzipped.

Tips & Warnings

• OS X includes a function to compress files, too. On your desktop, select your file, and then select "Create Archive" from the top menu under "File."
• Always be careful with files downloaded from the Internet, as these can be harmful to your computer.

References

• Apple Tip of the Week: Making Zip Files in One Click