---
title: "How to Compress a File Using 7-Zip"
description: "In this guide, we will show you how to compress a file or folder into a .zip file. Sometimes referred to as \"zipping\" a file, it is a good way to \"package\" multiple files into one. This is..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/compress-file/
date: 2013-03-01
modified: 2023-12-01
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["Website"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How to Compress a File Using 7-Zip

![Learn How to Compress a File](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/How-to-Compress-a-File-Using-7-Zip-1-1024x538.jpg)

In this guide, we will show you how to compress a file or folder into a .zip file. Sometimes referred to as “zipping” a file, it is a good way to “package” multiple files into one. This is recommended before transferring files over the internet to ensure it is not corrupted during the transmission. It can also allow you to deliver files successfully if an email filter is blocking your file extension, since .zip files are typically allowed.

For this tutorial we will be using 7zip, it is free open-source software and you can [download 7-zip here](https://www.7-zip.org/download.html). Follow along and learn how to zip a file.

Don’t have time to read the article on how to compress a file? [Watch our walk-through video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UwwmZwk4nlg&ab_channel=InMotionHosting).

## How to Compress a File

1. Open the 7-Zip File Manager.
2. Click on the *file* or *folder* you want to compress then click **Add**.[![adding a file to be compressed in 7-zip](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/7-zip_adding-file-7-zip.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/7-zip_adding-file-7-zip.png)    
3. The *Add to Archive* window will pop up, make sure the *Archive format* is set to **zip**, and click **OK** to proceed.[![compressing a folder into a zip file in 7-zip](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/7-zip_add-to-archive.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/7-zip_add-to-archive.png) The file will be compressed into a *zip* file located in the same place as the original file.[![view of the compressed and uncompressed file on desktop](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/7-zip_zipped-and-original-file.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/7-zip_zipped-and-original-file.png)

Congratulations, now you know how to compress a file into a **.zip** format using **7-Zip**!

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