To compress multiple files on a Mac, follow these steps:
1. Locate the files or folders you want to compress. This can be done by navigating to the desired location using Finder.
2. To select multiple files and folders, you can hold down the Shift key and click on the first and last item in the range you want to select. Alternatively, you can hold down the Command key and individually click on each item you want to select.
3. Once you have selected the files and folders, right-click on one of them. A context menu will appear.
4. From the context menu, hover over the “Compress” option. This will display additional options for compression formats.
5. Choose the compression format you prefer. The available options include “Compress X Items” (where X represents the number of items selected), “Compress X Items as ZIP,” and “Compress X Items as [other format].”
6. Click on the compression format you want to use. This will initiate the compression process.
7. A progress bar will appear, indicating the compression status. The time taken for compression will depend on the size and number of files being compressed.
8. Once the compression process is complete, a new compressed file will be created in the same location as the original files. The compressed file will have the same name as the original file or folder, with the addition of a file extension corresponding to the compression format used (e.g., .zip).
9. You can now safely transfer or share the compressed file, as it takes up less storage space and is more convenient for sending via email or uploading to cloud storage.
It’s worth noting that Mac computers have built-in support for various compression formats, including ZIP and the macOS-native compressed file format called “Archive Utility.” However, if you want to use other compression formats not supported by default, you may need to install third-party software like The Unarchiver or StuffIt Expander.
In my personal experience, compressing files on a Mac has been a straightforward process, and it has helped me save storage space and simplify file sharing. I often use compression when sending folders with multiple files to colleagues or clients, as it allows me to send a single compressed file instead of multiple individual files. This not only saves time but also ensures that all the files are kept together and organized.
To summarize, compressing multiple files on a Mac involves selecting the desired files and folders, right-clicking, choosing a compression format, and waiting for the compression process to complete. By compressing files, you can reduce their size and make them more manageable for storage and sharing purposes.