The ZIP file format allows you to compress large files and folders into a single smaller file. You can then extract these files whenever you need to use them. Creating ZIP files is easy and you can do it on whichever device you have—including your Android phone.
Here’s how to compress your files into a ZIP file on Android.
What Is a ZIP File?
ZIP is a file format that makes it possible to compress files losslessly while reducing their size. A single ZIP file may contain multiple files and folders. The ZIP format is the most common compressed file format—other formats include RAR, TAR, and GZip among others.
To make use of your compressed files, you’ll need a specific app to uncompress/unzip them. Similarly, you’ll also need a third-party app to compress your files and folders into a ZIP file in the first place. Some common Android apps you can use to create ZIP files are:
Let’s take a look at how to use them all.
How to Create a ZIP File Using ZArchiver
Once you download ZArchiver from the Google Play Store, follow these steps to create a ZIP file on your phone:
How to Create a ZIP File on WinZip
Before you start, you’ll need to have all the files you want to compress in one folder within your phone’s storage. Once the folder is ready, follow these steps:
Compress Files Using RAR on Android
What we love about the RAR app is that it gives you the option of deleting the original files after compression. To create a ZIP file with RAR on Android:
The Importance of Compressing Files and Folders
Compressed files are usually significantly smaller than in their original format. For this reason, compressing your files into a single ZIP file can be a great way ofreducing storage usage on your device.
Sharing multiple files of different formats can be a bit confusing to the receiver. When you compress these files, the recipient has to worry about only one ZIP file. They canextract the ZIP filesand have everything you’ve shared in one place.
You can alsoencrypt your ZIP filesto keep the contents secure when sharing via email or over the Internet. Anyone who has access to your files will need a password to open them.
Compress Files on Your Phone
Compressing files in the ZIP format will not only save space on your Android device but also give you a secure and convenient way of sharing multiple files. There are many third-party apps available to help you do this besides ZArchiver, WinZip, and RAR.
Remember to discard the original files after compression to enjoy additional space on your device.
