How to Zip Files For Sending

Zipping together software files makes it incredibly easy to send multiple computer files in a single file. In addition, zipping files compress the files so that the resulting single file is much smaller in size than all of the originals. This is especially useful for emailing large documents or image files, as often these exceed the file size limitations set by email servers. So if you need to email or ftp several files at once, then zipping them up is the ideal solution. Here's how to zip files for sending.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer
• Some type of Zip Software or Microsoft XP Operating System

1. In order to zip files you must have zip software installed on your computer. If you don't have such software, you can google for several free versions. One option is WinZip which provides a free 45 day evaluation version. If you have a Microsoft XP operating system installed, then you do not need additional software.

2. Place all of the files that you want to zip up in the same folder or directory on your computer.

3. Select all of the files you want to add to a zip file by holding down the Ctrl key on your keyboard and clicking with your mouse. The resulting files will be highlighted.

4. Once the files are highlighted, right-click with your mouse to open a submenu on the screen. Select "Winzip", then select "Add to Zip File".
   
   If you have Windows XP, you will select "Send To" and then "Compressed (zipped) Folder" in the submenu.

5. The zip software will automatically open with the selected files displayed and you can follow the instructions to save the zip file to your computer.
   
   If you have Windows XP, the zip file will automatically be created and placed in the folder.

Resources

• How to Zip Files Using WinZip