---
title: "How to use Winzip for File Compression"
description: "You have been working all night on a database or spreadsheet for a large project. The problem is that your saved files are so large they can no longer be easily transferred over email. What can you..."
url: https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/website/how-to-use-winzip-for-file-compression/
date: 2018-08-20
modified: 2023-10-30
author: "InMotion Hosting Contributor"
categories: ["Website"]
type: post
lang: en
---

# How to use Winzip for File Compression

You have been working all night on a database or spreadsheet for a large project. The problem is that your saved files are so large they can no longer be easily transferred over email. *What can you do?* **Compressing your files** is one of the solutions you should immediately consider. In most cases, file compression allows you to take a file that is much larger and then shrink it down to something much smaller.

### How does file compression work?

Compression programs like Winzip take your file structure through a mathematical algorithm to shrink your files to a smaller size. As long as the recipient of your compressed file has the software or something compatible, they can uncompress the file to its original size and format.

## Installing Winzip

Winzip allows you to use their evaluation version for 30 days. To continue using the product beyond that time you will need to purchase a license.

One of the most popular file compression solutions is [Winzip](https://winzip.en.softonic.com/). Before you continue with this tutorial, make sure that you have it installed. We will be using the Evaluation version for this tutorial. The installation process is quick and simple:

1. Download the **Winzip installation file** for your operating system (Widows or Mac) using the link above.
2. Click on the executable file that you downloaded to start the install.
3. [![text](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_winzip-install-1.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_winzip-install-1.png) You will see the Winzip install screen. Click on **Next** to continue.
4. [![Winzip install status](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_install-status-2.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_install-status-2.png) Read through the License Agreement legalese if you wish, then click on **Next**. You will see a status screen that shows the installation progress.
5. When it completes, it will end on a Winzip screen thanking you for installing their program. Click on **Finish** to complete the installation.

## Using Winzip

[![Use eval version](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_use-eval-version.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_use-eval-version.png)

When you complete the installation you’ll see a Thank you screen and two options: **Buy Now** and **Use Evaluation Version**. In order to use the application, click on **Use Evaluation** version. If you’re interested in purchasing the program then click on **Buy Now**. When you open the Winzip interface, first, *don’t be scared*! We’re going to walk you through using Winzip using the simplest options for creating a compressed file known as a .zip file.

1. If you had closed the program earlier, click on **WinZip** to bring it back up.
2. [![Drag file to Winzip](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_drag-file.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_drag-file.png) Open a Windows explorer window, select the files you want to compress and then drag them into the Winzip window. By default, you will see a window confirming your added files and the amount of compression that will be applied to the files.
3. [![Winzip install status](https://www.inmotionhosting.com/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_save-new-zip-1.png)](/support/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/winzip22_save-new-zip-1.png) Click OK to clear that window, then in the Actions pane at the right of the Winzip screen, click **Save as**.
4. Name your compressed file and then choose to save your zip file to any local network or authorized internet location (e.g. Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive).

Congratulations! You have made a compressed file using Winzip! Remember that unless you have purchased this software it is a trial version for thirty days. Check out our other [documentation for other file compression options like 7-zip](/support/website/compress-file/).