Open ZIP file

ZIP files: what are they and how do I open them?

zip file icon Are you facing difficulties opening unknown files on your computer, or wondering exactly what this file is?
We've got the information and best software solutions for opening these files effortlessly.

.zip file type #1: ZIP compressed file

Zip files are compressed archives made using the WinZip compression tool or any other software that uses the generic variant of the algorithm.

Further details:

ZIP file is a data container with one or more compressed files or directories.

It is a compressed archive file format that supports lossless data compression.  This means that the files can be compressed, or made smaller, so they take up less space on your hard drive. The ZIP file format permits a number of compression algorithms.

Open file with:

WinZip icon

WinZip

Popular file archiver for Windows

WinZip Mac Edition icon

WinZip Mac Edition

Mac version of the popular WinZip compression utility

.zip file type #2: Game resources data archive

The zip file extension is also associated with numerous computer games and is utilized for their game resource data files. It is not a standard zip archive format.

Further details:

The zip file - Game resource archive is a compressed file that contains various game resources. These resources can include game data, graphics, sound effects, music, and other elements used in the development and functioning of a video game. The files are compressed to reduce their size for easier storage and distribution. The zip file can be extracted to access the individual files when they are needed for game development or gameplay.

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Dragon UnPACKer icon

Dragon UnPACKer

A unpacking tool for resource files from computer games

.zip file type #3: ObjectBar theme pack file format

Files with zip file extension are also used for theme packs made in Stardock ObjectBar program. Most likely standard ZIP.

Further details:

The zip file extension is associated with ObjectBar that allows users to create their own custom Start Bars, finders, pop-up menus, program launchers, wharfs, docks, etc., developed by Stardock Corporation.

ObjectBar has everything you need to build your own unique Windows desktop environment. Every OS has its own way of accessing programs, tasks, and information, ObjectBar takes the best from those OSes and gives you the power to build your own.

ObjectBar also comes with a set of very high quality, easy to use interfaces that can take your Windows desktop to the next level. It is completely customizable.

The zip files are used for theme pack files.

Open file with:

ObjectBar

An older program for making unique Windows desktop environment

.zip file type #4: Oolite eXpansion pack

A zip file extension is related to the Oolite video game and used for its expansion packs.

Further details:

The zip file extension is associated with the Oolite, a video game for Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac and Linux, inspirated by Elite video game.

The zip file contains eXpansion pack.

Open file with:

Oolite icon

Oolite

A space simulator video game

What is the meaning of a file extension?

File extensions are characters that appear after the dot in a computer file's name. For example, the file "unknown-file.zip" has the file extension "zip". This is used to identify which program should open the file or what file type it is.
File extensions help you organize and manage files. They provide a quick and easy way to identify and associate the file type with the appropriate software.

We can help you open your file

In our database, we have collected a huge number of different file extensions, detailed descriptions, and programs that can be used to open or otherwise work with the file extensions listed in our database.
This database is an invaluable resource for users who want to understand better file extensions and what they can do with them. It also allows users to know different file types with the same purpose.

Only verified software links are provided

We have verified every software listed in our database. The software listed in our database includes links to the developer's or software's website. These links should allow you to download the right program for each file type. Using verified software from reputable sources helps minimize the risk of malware and viruses infecting your computer.