Since macOS is based on Unix there are a number of ways to compress files and folders within the filing system using Unix based application code, below are a few options using the Terminal or command line interface (cli). The default command line application interface in macOS is the Terminal and is stored in /Applications/Utilities.
File and folder compression saves on file size and ensures the contents are captured and delivered or stored as one monolithic file. A compressed file which contains files and folders is generally referred to as an archive. Here are some built-in compression applications you can use including zip, tar, gz, bz2, gz and dmg.
ZIP – Cross Platform
First up is ZIP one of the most commonly used compression techniques used across all platforms
To compress
To extract
In this guide, we’ll have a look at how to create and open compressed files on a Mac. In order to create a zip file, Macs offer an in-built app installed by default—the Archive Utility tool. The app is able to open files with a.zip extension. There is also an application called The Unarchiver, which is also designed for Macs. Open the folder containing your files in Finder. Select the files you want to add to the ZIP archive, right-click on any one file, and select Compress X Items(where Xis the number of items you’ve selected). MacOS will create a ZIP file with all your selected files in it. This ZIP will be placed in the same folder as your original files. I found the easier way to make an encrypted zip file with the terminal app on mac (mac os) just from the files of your folder. The command for the terminal zip -j -e wishedname.zip yourfolder/. Windows: Create a folder. The quickest way to create a zip file is to place all of the files that you.
If you want to make a zip without those invisible Mac resource files such as “_MACOSX” or “._Filename” and .ds store files, use the “-X” option in the command so:
There are no file size limits, allowing you to create large compressed files. It runs locally as a browser app, thus making it much quicker than other similar zip and unzip online tools. It runs locally as a browser app, thus making it much quicker than other similar zip and unzip online tools.
TAR.GZ – Cross Platform
Second up is TAR, an old favorite on Unix/Linux – you add the GZ for the compression – compresses tighter than zip
To compress
To extract
TAR.BZ2 – Cross Platform
A variation on TAR GZ but with better compression than both tar.gz and zip.
To compress
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To extract
GZ
Without the tar
To extract
DMG – macOS Only
This one is macOSnative only – for a GUI interface use /Applications/Utilities/Disk Utility – for command line use:
To create
To mount
To view
To Eject
You can also use a number of different formats for creating a .dmg
That’s the low down, the more common compression packages available will typically be covered in one of the above.
Pcdj dex 3 13 0 5. Creating zip files on a Mac might seem daunting at first, but you have a few options – and plenty of macOS and iOS tools – available to you. While you may have experience creating a zip file on a Windows-based computer, the process is slightly different on a Mac.
With this guide, you’ll be a pro in no time at compressing and extracting files between your Mac, iPad, and iPhone. If you want to secure your zip files with a password, we have instructions for that too.
What is a zip file?
Sending large files can take a long time. Zip files allow you to compress your data to make it more compact and faster to transfer. The compression can temporarily remove redundancies in the files, which can then be recreated (lossless). Compression can also permanently remove unnecessary bits, but at the expense of a perfect replica (lossy). Another popular form of compressed or archived data is RAR.
When you download a compressed file, you will need to extract or unzip the contents to access it.
How to create a zip file on Mac
Creating a zip file on a Mac is quick and easy as MacOS includes a built-in tool called Archive Utility for compressing and extracting files. You don’t need a third-party utility.
Zip a single file
How to run mac on windows 10. Right click or press Ctrl + tap a file you want to compress and choose Compress [File Name] in the popup menu.
As shown below, a new zip file will appear in the same folder while keeping the original file.
Compress multiple files
Step 1: Hold down the mouse button or trackpad to draw a box around all the files you want to compress. Alternatively, you can press Command while tapping the trackpad or click the mouse button to select specific files.
Step 2: Right click or press Ctrl + Tap and choose Compress from the pop-up menu.
A new single archive will appear in the folder. The original files are still retained.
Step 3: To rename the default name of the Archive.zip file, just right click or press Ctrl + tap the archive and choose Rename. This is useful if you need to create multiple zip files or if you want to make it easier for the recipient to know what is in the archive.
How to unzip a file
Extracting a zip file is about as easy as creating a. Just double click on the file and it will automatically unzip.
Alternatively, you can right-click or press Ctrl + Tap on a zip file, hover over Open With in the pop-up menu, and then select Archive Utility. You can also use a third-party unzip program like The Unarchiver if it’s not set as the default tool.
MacOS will automatically create a new folder with the decompressed files in the same location as the zip file.
Isn’t the compression working?![]()
If you can’t compress files, you may need to adjust your file permissions. Try this solution:
Step 1: Right click or select Ctrl + Tap the file you want and choose Get Info from the menu that appears.
Step 2: Click the arrow next to Sharing and Permissions to open this selector as shown above.
Step 3: Check that your specific account is set as administrator and that your permissions are read-only or read-only. Other settings may prevent you from compressing the file.
If you are not an administrator, click the Lock button and log in with administrator credentials. Then switch your permissions to Read & Write or Read Only and try again to compress the file.
Send compressed files to iOS / iPadOS
Exchanging files between macOS and iOS devices is difficult but inevitable. There are still a few more steps you need to take to decompress the files on your phone or tablet.
Step 1: Click the Files application and find the file in question.
Step 2: Click and hold the file and choose Unzip. You are done.
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