ZIP and GZIP guide: packing, extraction and file checks
Choose ZIP for multiple files or GZIP for one file. Inspect entries, extract selected paths and check the result, with format and checksum limitations explained.
Choose an operation for your task
Choose ZIP for multiple files or GZIP for one file. Inspect entries, extract selected paths and check the result, with format and checksum limitations explained.
| Your task | Where to start |
|---|---|
| Send multiple files together | Create a ZIP and check filenames and entry count |
| Compress one log file | Use GZIP and compare actual size before keeping it |
| Receive an unfamiliar archive | Inspect the directory before selecting supported entries to extract |
Work in order and retain the original
Inspect names and counts before extraction, especially with an archive from outside your workflow. Browser memory and expansion limits intentionally reject some large or suspicious inputs. When creating a delivery bundle, retain a checksum manifest separately; when extracting, open representative output files rather than trusting extensions.
Create ZIP → extract a copy → compare file counts → verify SHA256SUMS → open representative documents.Separate processing success from acceptance
Check corrupted entries, duplicate paths and missing files. A decompression success does not prove that the original data was complete or safe to open in every application.
Before you finish
Expand a tool below for its steps, options and limits. Choose the tools needed for your task; you do not need to use every one.
- Check corrupted entries, duplicate paths and missing files. A decompression success does not prove that the original data was complete or safe to open in every application.
- Reopen the download and compare it with the example and the meaning of the input.
- When an input exceeds the stated boundaries, retain it and split the task or use a suitable processor; renaming an extension does not make it compatible.
References
- Archives — format and implementation reference
Reference for format and processing boundaries. The operating reference states the actual supported scope of this site.
Tools in this category
Expand a tool to see its steps, options and supported formats, then open its workspace.
Create a ZIPA few files. One easy-to-share package.
Put several files or a folder into one ZIP for sharing. A folder keeps its paths; files added on their own go at the top level. Review the actual contents and download a new archive without uploading the originals.
Steps
- Choose individual files or a folder. Folder selection keeps the folder name and subfolders; dragged files are added at the top level.
- Name the ZIP and choose Deflate for smaller text files or Store for faster packing. Check the file list, then create the ZIP.
- Review the saved paths, sizes and methods, then download the ZIP and share the file yourself.
Available options
- Use Deflate compression
- On by default
- ZIP filename
- files
Capabilities and limits
- Up to 1,000 files and 50 MiB total input. Empty folders and original modification times are not preserved. ZIP64 and password encryption are not created.
Extract ZIPExtract every supported ZIP entry or select files by path.
Open a local ZIP, see its file paths and choose exactly what to take out. Download one selected file directly, or get several selected files in a new ZIP that keeps their folders. The archive stays in this browser.
Steps
- Choose a local .zip file and wait for its file list. Paths and sizes are read before extraction.
- Keep all files selected, or search and uncheck files you do not need. Then select Extract files.
- Review the selected paths and download: one file directly, or multiple files in a new ZIP that keeps their folders.
Capabilities and limits
- Up to 50 MiB input, 1,000 entries and 100 MiB declared expanded size. Store and Deflate are supported; encrypted, ZIP64, symlink and unsafe paths are rejected. Empty folders are omitted.
ZIP File ListSearch a ZIP’s contents and export its file list as CSV or text.
Search the paths in a ZIP and export a CSV inventory or plain-text path list without extracting its files. See declared sizes and compression methods. Listing does not verify CRC or file contents.
Steps
- Choose a local .zip file; it stays in your browser.
- Select “List ZIP files”, then search the paths and review declared sizes.
- Copy all paths or download the CSV or TXT manifest. The search only filters the on-screen table; exports include every entry.
Capabilities and limits
- ZIP reading accepts up to 50 MiB and 1,000 entries, with a 100 MiB declared expanded-size limit. Encrypted, ZIP64, symlink and traversal entries are rejected.
Extract GZIPRestore one .gz or .gzip file and download the original bytes.
Restore one .gz or .gzip file in your browser and download its uncompressed bytes. The browser checks GZIP integrity and the tool limits expansion. A .tar.gz file becomes a .tar file; its TAR contents remain packed.
Steps
- Choose a local .gz or .gzip file; it stays in your browser.
- Select “Extract GZIP” and check the restored size and download name.
- Download the restored file. For .tar.gz, this step yields a .tar archive rather than the files inside it.
Capabilities and limits
- Input is limited to 50 MiB, restored data to 100 MiB and expansion ratio to 100. This tool processes one GZIP file at a time.
GZIP compressorCompress one log, text or data file into .gz for transfer and archiving.
Choose a single file and download a standard .gz copy. This is useful when a recipient or workflow specifically asks for GZIP; it does not bundle several files into an archive.
Steps
- Choose the one file that needs a .gz copy, such as a log or text file.
- Optionally enter an attachment limit in MiB, then compress and compare the original and GZIP sizes.
- Download the .gz file. Before sending it, open it with a GZIP reader if your recipient requires exact contents.
Available options
- Attachment limit (MiB, optional)
- Enter as needed
Compare the .gz byte size with this limit. Email encoding and service rules may add overhead.
Capabilities and limits
- One file at a time, up to 50 MiB; an empty file is accepted. GZIP is not encryption.
- Processing stays in your browser. GZIP may be larger than the original and an attachment limit check cannot guarantee that an email service accepts the file.