How to create a ZIP file from files or a folder
A ZIP keeps related files together and can reduce compressible data.
Choose files or a complete folder
Use individual files for a small group. Use folder selection when the internal structure matters. Review the list before creating the archive.
Pick a compression level
Fast compression saves time. Maximum compression can help with text, CSV, XML, source code and other repetitive data.
Do not expect every file to shrink
JPEG, WebP, MP4, MP3 and many PDFs are already compressed. A ZIP still packages them, but may save little space.
Use a clear name
Name the ZIP according to its contents and date.