Open and Extract Zip File Content
The .zip file format compresses files to reduce the storage space they require, which decreases transfer time and bandwidth when you send them over the internet. The format can also bundle a set of folders and files into a single file so that you can send several items as a single attachment. You can preview and extract the contents of individual zip files with Apple Mail in iOS 11 through iOS 12.4, as well as with any other iOS app that supports preview contents of zip files.
Zip and Email Files With Shortcuts
The Apple Shortcuts app, which came with iOS 12, added a “Zip and Email” shortcut that lets you create and send zip files.
Other Zip File Management Options
Many people install third-party apps to compress, open, and extract zip files on iOS. For example, Documents by Readdle lets you easily select several items, then tap zip to compress these items into a zip archive file. Other apps, such as iZip Pro -Zip Unzip Unrar Tool, offer support for advanced zip features, such as the ability to create and open password protected zip files. Additionally, some people use Shortcuts, Apple’s iOS workflow automation app, to work with zip files. Shortcuts offers the ability to add Make Archive and Extract Archive as an action. For example, you could create a Shortcut that takes a zip file, extracts the contents, and automatically saves the contents to a folder you choose. People who prefer programmatic, step-by-step control over automated sequences will likely want to explore Shortcuts automation to work with zip files.
