How to Compress Files on Mac

The problem

The built-in macOS compress command only produces ZIP files, with no control over compression method, encryption or split volumes.

How this problem shows up

• You need a format other than ZIP, such as 7z or TAR
• You need to encrypt the archive with a password
• The archive must be split into several volumes to fit a size limit
• You want a smaller file than the default ZIP compression produces

How to solve it

1. Use an archive utility such as ZipGood instead of the built-in Finder compress command
2. Drag the files or folders onto the app window or the Dock icon
3. Choose an output format — each format shows its own options for method, password and split volumes
4. Set your options once: ZipGood remembers them per format, so repeat tasks are one click

How ZipGood solves this

• Compress Files on Mac — Create archives in 14 output formats with per-format options.
• Per-Format Options — Every format keeps its own options, remembered between sessions.
• AES-256 Encryption — Protect supported archives with AES-256 encryption.
• Split Archives — Create split volumes and join split archives automatically.