Zipping and Unzipping Files and Folders

When you download folders from Watson's Website, the folders will be zipped. Use the links below to learn how to unzip folders for saving your completed project files.  If you have difficulty understanding how to zip or unzip your folders, post a message on the class blog.

1. Windows 10 - Zipping Folders

2. Windows 10 - Unzipping Folders

3. Windows 11 - Zipping and Unzipping Folders

4. Mac Computers - Zipping and Unzipping

Windows

Windows comes with a utility program for compressing (zipping) & uncompressing (unzipping) files & folders. Compressing or zipping a file or folder will make it smaller in data size. Folders may be attached to email if they are compressed (zipped). Some of you have WinZip or another program installed on your computer for compressing or uncompressing. It will take precedence to serve as your compression-uncompression program. The Windows utility program will still be available.

WinZip/WinRar/7-Zip

These are proprietary or shareware utility programs for compressing and uncompressing folders. Proprietary or shareware programs often have a free trial period, lasting up to 45 days. A 'free' open source program is 7-Zip, http://www.7-zip.org/.

Once a folder is extracted (unzipped), you will be able to open your folder and look inside. NOTE: If you have WinZip installed on your computer, right-click on the zipped folder. Slide over and click on the link that indicates to open or extract. If there's more than one link to “Extract to”, select the one that shows it will extract 'here' or 'extract all'.  WinRar & 7-Zip work the same way as WinZip.

Zipping Folders

You will not need to zip folders for class, but it is important that you learn how to zip your folder if you want to send a folder as an email attachment. When you zip (compress) a folder, all files and folders in the zipped folder become compressed.
 

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