How do I reduce file size on a Mac? You don't have to pay for a file compressor to create a zip file or zip folder. We'll show you how to compress a file (or folder) in three easy steps! We'll also cover how to unzip files on a Mac.

How to Make a Zip File & Zip Folder on Mac

Here's how to create a zip file on a Mac. When you zip a folder or file, you make it easier to email or send a file, or make a PDF smaller. For more great tutorials about how to save storage and share files on a Mac, check out our free Tip of the Day. You may also want to learn how to zip files on an iPhone or iPad. Now, let's learn how to make a file smaller on a Mac.

Making a zip file is one of the many times you can use Mac keyboard shortcuts. This time, you'll use the Control-click shortuct.

Locate the file or folder you want to zip in the Finder.
Right-click or Control-click the file or folder you want to zip (press Control then click the file with your mouse or trackpad).
Click Compress or Compress X Items in the shortcut menu.

If you created a zip file, it will keep the original file name and add .zip. If you compress more than one item in a zip folder, the file is named Archive. zip.