What is a .zip file?
ZIP Archive · Archive · PKWARE · 1989
ZIP is the most common way to bundle and compress files. Built into Windows, macOS and Linux, it packs a folder into one smaller file for easy sending and storage, and it is also the basis of DOCX, EPUB and many other formats.
What is a .zip file used for?
A ZIP archive stores many files and folders in one compressed container. Every major operating system can create and open ZIPs without extra software.
Its compression is decent and its compatibility is unbeatable, which is why it quietly underpins countless other formats. DOCX, XLSX, EPUB, JAR and APK are all ZIP files inside.
For higher compression, formats like 7z and RAR do better, but ZIP wins on universal support.
How to open a .zip file
The .zip format opens in the following apps, grouped by operating system. If one app does not work, try another from the same list. For a step-by-step walkthrough, see how to open a .zip file.
Windows
- File Explorer
- 7-Zip
- WinRAR
macOS
- Archive Utility
- The Unarchiver
Linux
- Archive Manager
- unzip
Web
- Not natively; download and extract
How to convert a .zip file
You can convert a .zip file to 7Z, TAR using a conversion tool or the export menu of an app that opens it.
.zip file signature (magic bytes)
Programs recognise a .zip file by the bytes at the start of the file, not by its name. These are the signatures for ZIP. For a full breakdown, see the ZIP file signature page.
| Hex signature | Offset | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 50 4B 03 04 | 0 | local file header |
| 50 4B 05 06 | 0 | empty archive |
| 50 4B 07 08 | 0 | spanned archive |
See the full magic-numbers reference for every format.
Frequently asked questions
What is a .zip file?
ZIP is the most common way to bundle and compress files. Built into Windows, macOS and Linux, it packs a folder into one smaller file for easy sending and storage, and it is also the basis of DOCX, EPUB and many other formats.
How do I unzip a file?
On Windows, right-click and choose Extract All. On Mac, double-click it. On Linux, use the Archive Manager or the unzip command.
Are ZIP files safe?
The ZIP itself is harmless. The danger is what it contains, so scan unexpected archives before opening the files inside.