ZIP Creator – Create ZIP Files Online Free

Build compressed archives from your files — no upload required, everything stays on your device.

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6 — Balanced
No compression (fastest) Best compression (slowest)

Create ZIP File Online – Free Browser-Based ZIP Creator

This free online ZIP creator lets you compress files online and create a ZIP file directly in your browser — no software to install, no files uploaded to any server. It works as a full online ZIP converter: select your files, choose a format, and download the finished archive in seconds. Your files stay entirely on your device throughout the process.

Beyond ZIP, the tool also creates TAR.GZ and plain TAR archives. For ZIP archives, you can add AES-256 password encryption to protect sensitive contents, and adjust the compression level to balance archive size against creation speed.

How to Compress Files Online

  1. Drag and drop your files onto the drop zone, or click it to open a file picker. Add as many files as you need.
  2. Select a format — ZIP, TAR.GZ, or TAR.
  3. Adjust the Compression Level slider if needed (ZIP and TAR.GZ only).
  4. For ZIP, optionally enter a Password to encrypt the archive with AES-256.
  5. Set an output filename (default is archive) and click Create Archive. The file downloads immediately.

ZIP, TAR.GZ, or TAR – Which Format Should You Use?

ZIP

The most universally supported archive format. Every operating system — Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS — can open ZIP files without installing anything. Choose ZIP when you need the widest compatibility or want password protection. Supports compression levels 0 (store only) through 9 (maximum compression).

TAR.GZ (.tar.gz)

A TAR archive compressed with GZIP — the standard format for distributing software packages on Linux and macOS. TAR preserves Unix file permissions and handles large numbers of small files efficiently. Widely used for source code releases and server backups.

TAR (plain)

A raw TAR archive with no compression. Files are bundled into a single stream without size reduction. Useful when you plan to compress the archive separately, stream it to another process, or when speed matters more than size.

About Compression Levels

Compression levels range from 0 (no compression — files stored as-is) to 9 (maximum compression). Higher levels produce smaller archives but take longer. Lower levels are faster but produce larger files.

Level 0 — No compression. Use when files are already compressed (images, videos) and you just want to bundle them.
Levels 1–3 — Fast compression. Good when speed matters more than file size.
Levels 4–6 — Balanced. Level 6 is the default used by most tools — a good trade-off for everyday use.
Levels 7–9 — Maximum compression. Use when minimising file size is the priority, such as for distribution or long-term storage.

Password Protection (ZIP Only)

Password-protected ZIP archives use AES-256 encryption — the same standard used by banks and government agencies. Without the password, the contents of the archive cannot be read.

Note: standard ZIP encryption does not hide file names — only the file contents are encrypted. If you need to hide file names too, consider 7-Zip's native format. For most everyday use — emailing sensitive documents, sharing over cloud storage — AES-256 ZIP encryption is more than sufficient.

Important: there is no way to recover a lost password. Store the password somewhere safe before creating the archive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this as a free online ZIP converter?

Yes. This tool works as a free online ZIP converter — select your files, choose ZIP format, and click Create Archive. The ZIP file downloads directly to your device. No account, no upload, no waiting.

How do I convert files to ZIP online?

Drag your files into the drop zone above, make sure ZIP is selected as the format, then click Create Archive. The ZIP file downloads immediately. You can add multiple files at once and they will all be bundled into a single ZIP archive.

How do I compress files online for free?

Add your files using the drop zone or file picker, select a compression level (level 6 is a good default), choose your format (ZIP is the most compatible), and click Create Archive. The browser compresses the files locally and downloads the result — no server involved, completely free.

Can I create a ZIP file on my phone?

Yes. This tool runs entirely in the browser and works on mobile devices including iOS and Android. Open the page in your mobile browser, tap the drop zone to select files from your device, and download the ZIP archive just as you would on a desktop.

Are my files uploaded to a server?

No. Everything — file reading, compression, and encryption — happens locally in your browser using JavaScript. Your files never leave your device.

Is there a file size limit?

There is no hard limit. The practical limit is the available RAM on your device, since the archive is built in memory. For most computers, archives of several hundred megabytes work without issues.

Can I add folders, not just files?

The file picker selects individual files and places them at the root of the archive. Folder structure support may be added in a future update.

Can I open the archive I create?

Yes. ZIP files open natively on Windows, macOS, and Linux. TAR.GZ and TAR files open natively on macOS and Linux, and on Windows with tools like 7-Zip or WinRAR.

Why is RAR not supported?

RAR is a proprietary format owned by RARLAB. Creating RAR archives requires their commercial SDK — no open-source or browser-based RAR creator exists. ZIP with AES-256 encryption is a strong alternative that works everywhere.