Zip It - Zip a folder or multiple folders of files in a few clicks. Add a password for extra security (Updated Oct 2026)


Description:
Zip It automates compressing files and folders into ZIP archives with a range of modes and safety options. You can zip each file individually or combine entire folders into a single archive, control where the ZIP files are saved, choose compression level and file naming, and optionally protect archives with AES-256 encryption and a password. Options such as skipping existing ZIPs and deleting originals after zipping help integrate Zip It into backup, archiving and automation workflows.

How to use:

1. Select the source folder:
   Under Source, click Browse and choose the folder containing the files you want to zip. This folder is the starting point for all selected modes.
   
   
2. Choose the mode:
   In Mode, select how you want Zip It to group files:
   • Zip each file individually (this folder only) – create one ZIP per file in the selected folder, ignoring subfolders.
   • Zip each file individually (including sub-folders) – create one ZIP per file in the folder and all its subfolders.
   • Zip each sub-folder as its own zip file – create one ZIP per subfolder, bundling each subfolder’s contents together.
   • Zip the entire selected folder as one zip file – create a single archive containing everything under the selected folder.
   Choose the mode that best matches your archiving or distribution scenario.
   
   
3. Set an optional password:
   In Password, enter a password if you want to protect the ZIP archives. Tick Show password if you need to see what you typed. For AES-256 encryption (see below), a password is required.
   
   
4. Filter which files are included:
   In File types, specify which files to include using patterns (for example *.* for all files, *.docx;*.pdf for documents). Leaving this blank includes all files.
   
   
5. Choose the output location:
   Under Output Location, pick one of:
   • Save zip(s) beside the source files – create ZIPs in the same folders as the original files.
   • Save to custom folder – specify a single destination folder for all ZIP archives.
     
     
6. Configure Zip Settings:
   In the Zip Settings section:
   • Compression – choose:
     • Default – balanced speed and compression.
     • Best Speed (faster, larger file) – quickest compression with larger ZIPs.
     • Best Compression (slower, smaller file) – smallest ZIPs at the cost of speed.
     • None (store only, fastest) – store files without compressing, but still bundle them into a ZIP.
       
       
   • File naming – control how ZIP filenames are built:
     • Original name – use the original file or folder name as the base.
     • Append date (name_YYYY-MM-DD) – add the date to the end.
     • Append date-time (name_YYYY-MM-DD_HH-mm-ss) – add date and time.
     • Prepend date (YYYY-MM-DD_name) – put the date at the beginning.
     • Prepend date-time (YYYY-MM-DD_HH-mm-ss_name) – prepend date and time.
       
       
   • Use AES-256 encryption (requires password) – enable this to encrypt archives with strong AES-256 encryption, ensuring contents are only accessible with the correct password.
     
     
7. Set additional options:
   In the Options section:
   • Skip if .zip already exists – do not overwrite existing ZIPs; useful for incremental runs.
   • Delete originals after zipping – remove original files once they have been successfully added to a ZIP; ideal for archive and cleanup tasks. Use this carefully, preferably after testing on non-critical data.
     
     
8. Run and review:
   Click Zip It to start compression. Progress messages and results appear in the Log area, showing which files were processed, where ZIPs were created and any errors encountered. Use Clear to reset the log and status bar before starting another run.
   
   

Why you would use each feature:

• Per-file vs per-folder modes: Per-file ZIPs are ideal for distributing or archiving individual items, while per-folder or single-archive modes suit project bundles, backups and transfers.
  
  
• Password and AES-256 encryption: Protect sensitive content when sending archives over email, cloud or removable media, ensuring only authorised users can access the files.
  
  
• File type filters: Target only the file types you care about (for example documents, images or logs) without zipping everything in a folder.
  
  
• Compression level options: Choose the right balance between performance and file size depending on whether speed or storage savings matter more for a given job.
  
  
• Date/time-based file naming: Build clear, predictable archives with timestamps embedded in the filename, simplifying versioning, auditing and retrieval.
  
  
• Skip existing ZIPs and delete originals: Integrate Zip It into regular backup or archiving routines, avoiding unnecessary work and optionally reclaiming storage once data is safely compressed.
  
  

What You Can Do With This Program

Potential Uses for Zip It Tool:

• Efficiently Saving Storage Space:
  
  • Compress large collections of files or entire folders to significantly reduce their size on your hard drive, network drive, or cloud storage, freeing up valuable space.
  
  
  
  
• Simplifying File Sharing and Emailing:
  
  • Consolidate multiple files and folders into a single, smaller zip archive, making it much easier and faster to attach to emails, upload to cloud services, or share across networks.
  
  
  
  
• Enhancing Data Security and Confidentiality:
  
  • Utilize the password protection feature to encrypt sensitive or private documents, ensuring that only authorized individuals with the correct password can access the contents of the zip file. This is crucial for sharing confidential information.
  
  
  
  
• Streamlining Data Archiving and Organization:
  
  • Archive old projects, completed work, or collections of photos and documents into compact, date-stamped zip files for long-term storage, keeping your active folders clutter-free.
  
  
  • The ability to zip each folder or individual file separately provides great flexibility for organized archiving.
  
  
  
  
• Preparing Files for Uploads and Transfers:
  
  • Reduce the time it takes to upload large batches of files to websites, FTP servers, or online storage platforms by first compressing them into smaller archives.
  
  
  
  
• Facilitating Batch Processing and Automation:
  
  • The granular options (zipping each file individually, or zipping each folder) make it ideal for automating backup routines or preparing large numbers of distinct files or folders for distribution in a standardized, compressed format.
  
  
  
  
• Creating Portable Collections of Files:
  
  • Bundle all necessary files for a project, presentation, or software distribution into a single, easily transportable zip file, ensuring all components stay together.