How to Create a ZIP File for Excel Spreadsheet

Excel spreadsheets can be huge. This alone is a good enough reason to use the compressed ZIP format. Compressed files make the most of the available space on your computer. Because of their compactness, ZIP files are easier to transfer over the Internet. ZIP folders are independent of any operating system, which makes them a great vehicle for sharing. If you regularly work with many smaller spreadsheets that are a part of a larger project, consider placing them in a ZIP folder. They will better organized, easier to locate and a breeze to retrieve.

Things You'll Need

• Excel 2003 version or later

Instructions

1. Right-click "Start" and then click "Explore."

2. Right-click on the Excel file and then point to "Send To."

3. Click "Compressed (ZIP) Folder."

4. Double-click the ZIP folder and then click "Extract all files" in order to open it as a "Read-Only" file. (Note: If you would like to extract the ZIP folder and make a copy of it, click "Extract all files" after you double-click it. Follow the steps in the wizard to complete the process.)

Tips & Warnings

• Before you are send a ZIP folder containing an Excel file, ask the intended recipient if he has either a licensed software version of Excel or an Excel reader to open up the spreadsheet document with ease.

Resources

• Microsoft.com: Compress and Uncompress Files (ZIP files)