ChromeOS is a lightweight alternative to Windows and Mac, withhandy featuresto get the work done. One such trick is the ability to zip and unzip files without a third-party app. It’s a common practice to compress several files into a smaller package for seamless sharing.
Do you want to share several documents, pictures, and files over an email or an instant messaging app on ChromeOS? Instead of sending each file separately, zip them into a single folder and send everything with a single click. If you received a ZIP file over an email, ChromeOS lets you unzip it. Aside from the ZIP format, yourtop Chromebooksupports 7ZIP, RAR, and TAR.
How to zip files on a Chromebook
You can use the default Files app on ChromeOS to zip files. Follow the steps below.
When zipping a specific folder, ChromeOS titles the ZIP file based on the folder name. You can always rename it to your preference.
Password-protect ZIP files on Chromebook
There isn’t a built-in way to password-protect ZIP files on a Chromebook. You’ll rely on third-party apps to add an extra layer of security. ChromeOS supports all Android apps, and you can use apps like RAR to create password-protected RAR and ZIP files.
How to unzip files on a Chromebook
Chromebooks running ChromeOS 101 or a newer version have built-in support to extract ZIP, RAR, and TAR files. If your Chromebook runs an older ChromeOS build, install the latest version from the ChromeOS Settings.
Next, use the steps below to unzip files on your Chromebook.
You can also unzip files manually on the ChromeOS. Go through the steps below.
You can also use the familiarCtrl+CandCtrl+Vkeys to copy-paste content from a ZIP file.
Extract and compress files on Chromebook
While there are capable and affordable Chromebooks out there, you don’t need to buy one to experience Google’s desktop operating system. You can give ChromeOS a try on your aging Windows or Mac machine. Check our dedicated post toinstall ChromeOS on your PC or Mac.
