How To Open a ZIP File

Overview

A ZIP file packs one or more files into a single, smaller file. To use what’s inside, extract (unzip) it into a regular folder. Windows, Mac, iPhone, and Android can all do this without extra software.

This is generally required when uploading your reads to the billing cycle and the export is a zip file.

Windows

1. Right-click the zip file and choose Extract All.
2. Keep the suggested folder, or click Browse to pick another location.
3. Click Extract. The files appear in a new folder.

Mac

1. If you want the files somewhere else, move the zip file to that folder first.
2. Double-click the zip file. A new folder with the files appears next to it.

Tips

• Always extract first. Files opened straight from inside the zip can look broken or incomplete.
• Other formats such as .rar or .7z need a separate app to open.
• Password-protected zips need the password from whoever sent the file.
• Clean up. Once the files are extracted, you can delete the original zip file.