Just like in Windows OS, macOS also has a built-in compression tool that helps the user zip and unzip files and folders when required. You can also install a third-party compression app in your device for improved functionality. The mac’s Archive Utility tool is not like an app installed in your system but a deeply integrated feature.
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In this guide, we will show you how to zip and unzip a file or a folder on Mac using the built-in Archive Utility tool.
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Zip Files and Folders on Mac
Follow the guide to learn how to zip a file or folder with the archive utility feature:
- Head over to the “Finder” app, and navigate to the file or folder that you want to compress.
- Select the file by single-clicking on it. You can also compress multiple files at a time, to select multiple files hold Command key while selecting the files.
- Once the selection is made, right-click on the selected files by tapping two fingers on the trackpad. From the context menu that appears on the screen select the “Compress” option.
The zipped file will appear on the same folder as the uncompressed one with the .zip extension. You will see the new file named “Archive.zip”, we suggest you change the name to make it easier to find it.
Un-zip Files and Folders on Mac
Unzipping a compressed file is a lot easier than zipping it. To do so, head over to the archived file and double-click on it. 
The file will automatically be unzipped within several seconds and you can see the contents of that file in the same folder.
Related: How to Use & Open Finder with a Keyboard Shortcut in Mac