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This guide will show you how to extract files from a zipped folder. Extracting files from a zipped folder involves decompressing them, enabling you to access and utilize them correctly. You can effortlessly extract files from zipped folders using the built-in software on both Windows and Mac computers.
Key Points to Remember
- To extract on Windows, simply double-click the folder, choose 'Extract All,' pick a destination, and click 'Extract.'
- On Mac, just double-click the folder to extract its contents.
- If you're utilizing the Linux command line, employ unzip filename.zip to extract the contents.
Steps to Follow
For Windows Users
Begin by Double-clicking the ZIP file. This action will open the contents within a File Explorer window.
Click on Extract all. This is represented by the icon resembling a folder with a zipper and four blue squares near the top of the window.
Ensure the box next to 'Show extracted files when complete' is checked. This option is located at the bottom-left corner of the window. Enabling this will automatically display the unzipped files upon completion of the extraction process.
Choose a destination folder for the unzipped files. If you wish to extract the files to a different location other than the current folder housing the ZIP file, follow these steps:
- Click on Browse... located on the right side of the window.
- Select the desired folder where you want to store the unzipped files.
- Click on Select Folder.
Click on Extract. Located at the bottom of the window, this action will extract the contents of your ZIP file to an unzipped folder in the chosen location, allowing you to access and manipulate the files within.
For Mac Users
Move the ZIP folder to a different location (if desired). When you unzip a file, its contents will be extracted to the same folder as the ZIP file. If you prefer to extract the contents elsewhere, you can relocate the ZIP file before unzipping. Here's how:
- Single-click on the ZIP folder to select it.
- Go to Edit located in the upper-left corner of the screen.
- Choose Copy from the drop-down menu.
- Navigate to the destination folder for the ZIP folder.
- Again, go to Edit, then click Paste.
Double-click the ZIP folder. This action will extract the contents of the ZIP file into a new folder within the current directory. Upon completion, the folder containing your extracted files will be displayed.
For Linux Users
Launch a terminal window. Click on the Terminal application icon on your desktop or press Ctrl + Alt + T to open a terminal window.
Navigate to the directory containing the ZIP file. Type cd, followed by the path to the folder containing the ZIP file, and press Enter.
- For instance, if the ZIP file is located in the 'Downloads' directory, you would type cd Downloads into the terminal.
- If the ZIP file is within a folder named 'ZIP' inside the 'Downloads' directory, you would type cd /home/name/Downloads/ZIP (where name represents your username).
Execute the 'unzip' command. Enter unzip file.zip, replacing file with the name of the folder, then press Enter to execute. This action will extract the files to the current directory.
- If the file name contains spaces, enclose 'file.zip' within quotation marks (e.g., unzip 'this is a zipped folder.zip').
- Note that the Linux unzip command does not create a new folder for the extracted files.
For iPhone/iPad Users
Access the Files app. Locate and tap on the blue icon labeled 'Files' within your app list. Alternatively, swipe right across the home screen until you reach the 'App Library' screen, then tap on the Productivity & Finance folder.
Navigate to the location of the ZIP file. If the file is stored on your iPhone, tap On My iPhone. If it's saved within a specific folder, tap that folder to access its contents.
Tap on the ZIP file. This action will promptly generate a folder containing the contents of the ZIP file.
- If desired, you can rename this folder. Tap and hold the folder, then select Rename to proceed.
Tap the folder to open it. This will reveal the contents of the ZIP file.
For Android Users
Download and install the Files by Google app on your Android device. If you already have the 'Files' app installed, you can launch it now. However, please note that certain Android devices may come with different pre-installed 'Files' apps that might not support file extraction. Here are the steps to install Google's official Files app:
- Open the Play Store.
- Enter files by google into the search bar.
- Select Files by Google from the search results.
- Tap Install to download the app. If you already have the app installed, you'll see Open instead of Install.
Launch Files by Google. Look for the blue folder icon with a turned-down corner, which comes in various colors.
Tap on Browse. Locate the folder icon with a magnifying glass and tap on it.
Navigate to the folder containing your ZIP file. If it's in your Downloads folder, for instance, select that folder.
Tap on the ZIP file. A pop-up will appear, providing you with a preview of the file's contents.
Tap on Extract. This action will extract the files from the compressed ZIP file and display a preview.
- If you wish to remove the ZIP file after decompressing, tick the box labeled 'Delete ZIP file' now.
Tap on Done. The ZIP file's contents have been successfully extracted to the current directory.
