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How to Open / Unzip Files in .zip Format
How to Open / Unzip Files in .zip Format

in this tutorial you will learn how to open compressed files in .zip format for both Windows and Macintosh computers.

Enrique avatar
Written by Enrique
Updated over 9 months ago

1. What is a .zip file?

A ZIP file is a type of compressed file format that allows you to take multiple files or folders and pack them into a single, smaller file. Think of it as putting a bunch of files into a box, then vacuum-sealing the box to make it as compact as possible. This not only saves space on your computer or storage device but also makes it easier to send several files at once over the internet.

When you create a ZIP file, the data is compressed, reducing the overall size of the files inside the ZIP. This process is reversible, so when you unzip, or extract, the files, they return to their original size and format, with no loss of data.

Not only that, you can create a ZIP file on a Windows computer and open it on a Mac, or vice versa, without any issues.

2. Downloading Your ZIP File

When you purchase products from us, you might receive special bonuses or access to course materials, which we often deliver in a format known as a ZIP file.

You'll receive a link to download your ZIP file. This might come through an email or be available directly on our website, depending on what you've purchased. Downloading the file is your first step, and here's how to do it in the simplest terms:

Click on the Download Link: Find the link that says something like "Download your bonuses" or "Click here to download" This link is your gateway to getting the files onto your computer.

Start the Download: Once you click the link, your web browser will either start the download automatically, or it may ask you where you want to save the file. If you're asked to choose a location, select a place you can easily remember, like your Desktop or Downloads folder.

Wait for the Download to Complete: Depending on your internet speed and the size of the ZIP file, this might take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes. You'll usually see a progress bar indicating how the download is going.

3. Unzipping Files on Windows

Using File Explorer

  1. Locate the ZIP File: Navigate to the folder where your ZIP file is saved. You can usually find downloaded files in the Downloads folder, accessible through File Explorer.

  2. Open the ZIP File: Double-click the ZIP file to view its contents. Windows treats ZIP files like folders, allowing you to see what's inside without extracting the files.

  3. Extract the Files: To unzip all the files, click on the Extract all button in the toolbar at the top of the File Explorer window. If you don't see this option, you might need to click the View tab in File Explorer to find it.

  4. Choose Destination: After clicking Extract all, a dialog will appear asking where you want to put the extracted files. You can choose the current location, or click Browse to select a different folder. If you want, check the box that says Show extracted files when complete.

  5. Extract: Click on the Extract button to start the unzipping process. Once completed, the extracted folder will open if you selected the option to show extracted files.

4. Unzipping Files on Mac

Using Finder

  1. Locate the ZIP File: Open Finder and go to the folder containing the ZIP file you wish to unzip. This might be your Downloads folder or somewhere else, depending on where you saved the file.

  2. Unzip the File: Simply double-click the ZIP file. macOS will automatically unzip the files and place them in a folder with the same name as the ZIP file, in the same location as the ZIP file.

  3. Access the Extracted Files: The unzipped folder should open automatically. If it doesn't, navigate to the same directory as the ZIP file, and you'll find the unzipped folder there.

Using Terminal

  1. Open Terminal: You can find Terminal in the Utilities folder within your Applications folder, or you can search for it using Spotlight (Command + Space).

  2. Change Directory: Use the cd command to change to the directory containing your ZIP file. For example, if your ZIP file is in the Downloads folder, you'd type cd Downloads.

  3. Unzip the File: Type unzip [filename.zip], replacing [filename.zip] with the name of your ZIP file, and press Enter. The files will be extracted to the current directory.

  4. Check the Extracted Files: If you want to see the contents of the extracted folder, use the ls command to list the directory contents.

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5. Downloading Large Files

In some cases, as when you buy the Content Creation Course, you will have to download the 130,000 bonus article pack. These are large files and require an additional step.

After you click on each "Click here to download" link you will be redirected to Google Drive. Click on the 'Download' icon:

Google will show this warning:

We have scanned the folders and files for you, so click on 'Download anyway". After the file is downloaded to your computer unzip the files as explained above.

6. Using Third-Party Software (e.g., WinRAR, 7-Zip)

  1. Download and Install: First, download and install a third-party extraction tool like WinRAR or 7-Zip. These are powerful tools that support a wide range of compression formats.

  2. Right-Click the ZIP File: Find your ZIP file in File Explorer, then right-click on it.

  3. Choose Extract Option: In the context menu that appears, hover over the 7-Zip or WinRAR menu item, then choose one of the extract options. You can extract to the current folder, to a specific folder, or you can open the ZIP file in the application to select specific files to extract.

  4. Select Destination and Extract: If you chose to extract to a specific folder, navigate to where you want the files to go, then click OK or Extract. The application will then unzip your files to the chosen location.

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