--- title: "Learn How to Zip and Unzip Files in Linux and be a Zip Master" description: "Need to know how to zip and unzip files in Linux? Learn how to effectively manage ZIP files in Linux in this step-by-step tutorial!" canonical: "https://adamtheautomator.com/unzip-files-in-linux/" --- # Learn How to Zip and Unzip Files in Linux and be a Zip Master > Need to know how to zip and unzip files in Linux? Learn how to effectively manage ZIP files in Linux in this step-by-step tutorial! Source: https://adamtheautomator.com/unzip-files-in-linux/ --- ATA Learning Tap to hide [ ATA Learning ](/) * [Home](/) * [Tutorials](/tutorials/) * [Instructors](/author/) * [Advertising](/advertising/) * [Recommended Resources](/resources/) * [About Adam](/about-adam/) Search for: * [](https://twitter.com/adbertram) * [](https://github.com/Adam-the-Automator) * [](https://www.linkedin.com/company/adam-the-automator-llc) * [](/feed/) ![Learn How to Zip and Unzip Files in Linux and be a Zip Master](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/How-to-Manage-Zip-Files-in-Linux-1.jpg) # Learn How to Zip and Unzip Files in Linux and be a Zip Master [![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/1eafae31832f93010914934ed21dea0eab1084971352e0af770f3c70734cb6ad?s=192&d=mm&r=g)Michel Nzihou](https://adamtheautomator.com/author/michel-nzihou/)7 July 20219 min. read Categories: [IT Ops](/category/it-ops/) Tags:[Linux](/tag/linux/) Table of Contents * [Prerequisites](#h-prerequisites) * [Installing the Zip and Unzip Packages](#h-installing-the-zip-and-unzip-packages) * [For Debian](#h-for-debian) * [For Fedora and CentOS](#h-for-fedora-and-centos) * [Compressing Files with the Zip Package](#h-compressing-files-with-the-zip-package) * [Zipping Files via Command Line](#h-zipping-files-via-command-line) * [Deleting the Original File after Archiving](#h-deleting-the-original-file-after-archiving) * [Adding New Files to an Existing Zip File](#h-adding-new-files-to-an-existing-zip-file) * [Deleting Files from a Zip File](#h-deleting-files-from-a-zip-file) * [Zipping Files via GUI](#h-zipping-files-via-gui) * [Decompressing Files with the Unzip Package](#h-decompressing-files-with-the-unzip-package) * [Unzipping Files via Command Line](#h-unzipping-files-via-command-line) * [Unzipping Files via GUI](#h-unzipping-files-via-gui) * [Verifying the Zip File Integrity](#h-verifying-the-zip-file-integrity) * [Testing the Compressed Files Before Extracting](#h-testing-the-compressed-files-before-extracting) * [Viewing Zip File Contents Without Extracting](#h-viewing-zip-file-contents-without-extracting) * [Zipping Files with the Same File Extension](#h-zipping-files-with-the-same-file-extension) * [Conclusion](#h-conclusion) Have you ever wondered how to unzip files in Linux? Or how to create and extract a zip archive? Then this tutorial is all you need to manage your zip files effectively. Zipping is one of the best and popular techniques to compress files by reducing their size without losing quality. And in this tutorial, you’ll learn how to compress and decompress zip files in Linux, along with other tips and tricks. Ready? Dive in and you’ll become a “zip master” at the end of this tutorial! ## Prerequisites > _Stop struggling with password reset calls and account lockouts in Active Directory. [Get a FREE trial of Specops uReset.](https://specopssoft.com/contact-us/?utm_source=ata&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=na_ata&utm_content=mention)_ The demonstrations throughout this tutorial were made in Kali Linux 2021.2. Still, you could also work with other Linux distributions, such as [Debian-based](https://www.tecmint.com/debian-based-linux-distributions/) (like Unbuntu or Kali Linux), [CentOS](https://www.centos.org/), or [Fedora](https://getfedora.org/). ## Installing the Zip and Unzip Packages To compress and decompress into ZIP files with Linux, you’ll need a couple of packages called [zip and unzip](https://linux.die.net/man/1/zip). Let’s now go through how to install these packages with the [apt package manager](https://ubuntu.com/server/docs/package-management). To install the zip and unzip packages, launch the terminal on your desktop first and run the commands below depending on the Linux distributions you’re working on. Each of the commands below begins with the `sudo` command to handle elevated permissions. ### For Debian The commands below are using the `apt` package manager to `install` the `zip` and `unzip` packages. ```bash sudo apt install zip # Installs the zip package sudo apt install unzip # Installs the unzip package ``` ### For Fedora and CentOS The commands below are using the `yum` package management tool to `install` the `zip` and `unzip` packages. ```bash sudo yum install zip # Installs the zip package sudo yum install unzip # Installs the unzip package ``` ## Compressing Files with the Zip Package Now that you’ve installed all the necessary packages, it’s time to learn how to compress files. To do so, you’ll run the `zip` command, which allows you to compress files into ZIP packages, both via the command line and via the GUI. Let’s go over each method! ### Zipping Files via Command Line In [Linux](https://adamtheautomator.com/search/linux), you’re typically going to be using the command line quite a bit so let’s first see how to zip files via the command line. Notice the command syntax below. You’ll see that after the `zip` command, `outpufile` represents the name of the zip file. Then followed by the name of the files and folder (`file1 file2 folder`) to include in the zip file. ```bash zip [option] outputfile file1 file2 folder ``` To demonstrate zipping files on the command line, open a terminal first and create a directory called _~/mydir_. Then create two files and a folder named test1, test2, and myfolder inside _~/mydir_. 1\. Run the `mkdir` command below to create the `mydir` directory. ```bash mkdir mydir ``` 2\. The commands below create (`touch`) the `test1.txt` and `test2.txt` files. Then create (`mkdir`) the `myfolder` directory. ```bash touch ~/mydir/test1.txt touch ~/mydir/test2.txt mkdir myfolder ``` 3\. Run the command below to list (`ls`) the contents of the working directory (_~/mydir_), as shown below. ![List the content of the working directory](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/17.png) List the content of the working directory Now that you’ve created the files and folders, compress the ~/_mydir_ folder by running the command below. The `zip` command below is recursively (`-r`) searching through the `mydir` directory for all files and subdirectories. When complete, it’s then compressing all of those files into a ZIP file called `newdir.zip`. ```bash zip -r newdir.zip mydir ``` ![Execution of the zip command with a single file](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/1.png) Execution of the zip command with a single file Perhaps you only plan to compress the _~/mydir/test1.txt, ~/mydir/test2.txt, and ~/mydir/myfolder_ directories. To do that, run the command below. The `zip` command below is recursively (`-r`) searching for all files and folders in the working directory (`mydir`) called `test1.txt`, `test2.txt`, and `myfolder` and creating a ZIP file called `newfiles.zip`. ```bash cd mydir zip -r newfiles test1.txt test2.txt myfolder ``` > _Adding the .zip extension for the zip file is optional as it’s automatically added after the compression is complete. In the example above, the zip command will create a ZIP file called newfiles.zip instead of just newfiles._ ![Zipping multiple specific files](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/2.png) Zipping multiple specific files ### Deleting the Original File after Archiving In the previous section, you learned how to compress files into a ZIP file, but you’d have noticed that the original files were not removed after doing so. Add the `-m` option in the zip command to remove the original files, as shown below. After creating the ZIP file, launch a terminal, then run the following command to delete the original files automatically. The `zip` command below zips the files and folder called `test1.txt`, `test2.txt`, and `myfolder` to the `newsfiles.zip` ZIP file, then deletes (`-m`) the original files. After running the command, you’ll notice that the zip command removes the original files. ```bash zip -m -r newfiles.zip test1.txt test2.txt myfolder ``` ### Adding New Files to an Existing Zip File Perhaps you forgot to include a file while compressing files to a ZIP file. How would you add a new file to an existing zip file? You could delete the zip file and create another one, but there’s a better way. To add a new file to the existing ZIP file (_newfiles.zip_), run the following command. The command below updates (`-u`) the existing ZIP file package (`newfiles.zip`) by recursively (`-r`) searching through all files in the _~/mydir_ directory, then adding them to the ZIP package. ```bash zip -u -r newfiles.zip test3 ``` ![Adding new files to an existing zip file](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/6.png) Adding new files to an existing zip file ### Deleting Files from a Zip File You previously learned how to add files to existing compressed files. But what if you added a file unintentionally to a zip file? You’d obviously want to remove that file from the zip file, and adding the `-d` option to the `zip` command would do the trick. To delete a file from the ZIP file, run the `zip` command deleting (`-d`) the `test3` file from the (`newfiles.zip`) ZIP file. ```bash zip -d newfiles.zip test3 ``` ![Removing a file from a zip file](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/9.png) Removing a file from a zip file ### Zipping Files via GUI By now, you’ve learned how to zip files using the command line. But if you’re more comfortable working with a graphical interface, you’re in luck. The [GNU Network Object Model Environment (GNOME)](https://linuxconfig.org/how-to-install-gnome-desktop-on-kali-linux#:~:text=Install%20GNOME%20Desktop%20Environment&text=Open%20a%20terminal%20and%20type,gdm3%20as%20the%20display%20manager) environment lets you create a zip archive with a few clicks. GNOME is a desktop GUI on top of your operating system. So, let’s get started! [1\. Switch to GNOME environment](https://dannyda.com/2020/02/21/how-to-switch-desktop-environments-for-kali-linux-easily/), then open the file manager. ![Accessing File Manager](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/gnome-filemanager.png) Accessing File Manager 2\. Look for the files to zip by navigating inside the _~/mydir_ directory. 3\. To create the ZIP package, select all the files to zip, then right-click on any of the files and choose **Compress** from the context menu. ![Selecting the compression method](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/3.png) Selecting the compression method Now choose the format for the compressed file in the pop-up window below. Notice that there are three format options, [.zip](https://experience.dropbox.com/resources/what-is-a-zip-file), [.tar.xz](https://linoxide.com/how-to-extract-tar-xz-file-linux/#:~:text=tar.,software%20application%20and%20image%20files), and [.7z](https://www.howtogeek.com/357846/what-is-a-7z-file-and-how-do-i-open-one/). These formats are all compression formats. Since you’re creating a zip file, select the **.zip** option. Then create the zip file by giving it a name (_newfiles_), and click on **Create**. > _The zip file is automatically created inside the ~/mydir folder, where the files you’re compressing are located._ ![Creating the newfiles.zip file ](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/5.png) Creating the newfiles.zip file You’ll notice below that Linux creates a file called _newfiles.zip_ from those that you selected. ![Successfully created zip archive](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/8.png) Successfully created zip archive ## Decompressing Files with the Unzip Package In the previous examples, you’ve learned how to zip files. But perhaps you need to extract or decompress the contents of the zip file. How would you do that? Similar to compressing files, you get two methods for decompressing files, via Command-Line and GUI. Both methods leverage the unzip package you previously installed to decompress ZIP files. ### Unzipping Files via Command Line Since you’ll still be running commands in a command-line environment throughout this tutorial, let’s start unzipping files via the command-line method. To unzip a ZIP file, launch your terminal and run the following command. Notice the command below will `unzip` the contents of the (`newdir.zip`_)_ ZIP file. By default, the contents are extracted to the same directory (_~/mydir_) of the (`newdir.zip`_)_ ZIP file. > _If you’d like to unzip the contents of a ZIP file in a directory other than the working directory, specify the `-d` followed by the directory to extract the contents of the ZIP file into like: `unzip` newdir.zip `-d` anotherdir._ ```bash unzip newdir.zip ``` ![Decompressing in the same directory](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/11.png) Decompressing in the same directory ### Unzipping Files via GUI If unzipping files via command-line seems like a lot of work, try unzipping files in a few clicks with the GUI method. And similar to the command-line method, you’d also get to choose where to extract the files. To unzip files, open File Manager, as explained in the _Zipping Files via GUI_ section. Right click the ZIP package you’d like to extract, and select **Extract Here**, as shown below. Once you click **Extract Here**, Linux will extract all files in the ZIP package in the working directory. > _If you prefer to extract all files on another directory, choose the **Extract to**_ _option from the context menu._ ![Selecting the extract method](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/15.png) Selecting the extract method ## Verifying the Zip File Integrity In some instances, ZIP files can become corrupt, such as downloading the ZIP file from the internet. Or when the ZIP file was transferred to a corrupted storage device. You may not know they’re corrupted on the surface, so it’s important to verify their integrity. To verify the integrity of the zip file, run the following command. The `zip` command below recursively (`-r`) searches through the working directory for the (`newfiles.zip`) zip file, then verifies (`-T`) if it’s in good condition. > _The command below only verifies the ZIP file’s integrity, but not the files and subdirectories inside it._ ```bash zip -r -T newfiles ``` As shown below, you’ll see an indication that the test was successful. ![Verifying the zip file integrity](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/3-1.png) Verifying the zip file integrity ## Testing the Compressed Files Before Extracting Extracting a ZIP file with corrupted files would only waste time and result in errors, especially when dealing with a large zip file with multiple files. So, it’s a good idea to test the compressed files in the ZIP file before extracting them. Testing the compressed files is similar to verifying the ZIP file’s integrity, but this time you’re testing each file inside the ZIP file and not just the ZIP file itself. Now, run the `unzip` command to test (`-t`) each file’s status inside the (`newdir.zip`) zip file. ```bash unzip -t newdir.zip ``` As you see in the image below, the unzip package found no errors. ![Testing files inside the zip file](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/14.png) Testing files inside the zip file ## Viewing Zip File Contents Without Extracting Perhaps you’d rather just see what’s inside of the ZIP file rather than actually extract the files. Lucky for you, the `unzip` command has the `-l` option that displays the contents of a zip file without extracting them. To view a ZIP file’s contents, run the `unzip` command to list (`-l`) the zip file’s (`newdir.zip`) contents without extracting them. ```bash unzip -l newdir.zip ``` Notice the screenshot below that displays a table list of the contents inside the (`newdir.zip`) ZIP file. ![Viewing zip contents without decompressing](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/13.png) Viewing zip contents without decompressing ## Zipping Files with the Same File Extension To demonstrate how to script some common use cases with the zip utility, perhaps you have a directory with many different files but only need to compress those that match a specific extension. To do that, you need a script that will repeatedly search for all files with the same extension. When found, adds them to a zip file. Let’s go through what the script below does and how to run it. The script below declares a variable (`files`) to hold the file extension value (`*.txt`), then another variable (`targetDir`) for the target directory (`anotherDir`). The script then executes a `for` loop function to search all files with the _.txt_ (`files`) extension inside the target directory (`anotherDir`). When a _.txt_ file is found, the `zip` command adds (`-u`) that file to the (`mynewfiles.zip`) ZIP file. Ready to automate zipping files? 1\. Open a text editor and save the script with the _.sh_ extension (ex: _[script.sh](https://www.8086.net/)_), which is the extension for the files written with the shell programming language. ```bash files=*.txt # Declare variable to hold the .txt extension targetDir=anotherDir # Declare variable to hold the target directory for file in $files; do # Searches all files with .txt extension zip -u $targetDir/mynewfiles $file # Adds found .txt files to mynewfiles.zip file done ``` 2\. Ensure that you can run the script by modifying its permission. To do that, run the `chmod` command to modify (`+x`) the script’s (`script.sh`) execute permission. ```bash chmod +x script.sh ``` 3\. Now execute the script by running the command below. The below command runs the script (_[script.sh](https://www.8086.net/)_) as long as the script is inside the current working directory. ```bash ./script.sh ``` As you notice, there is a warning message telling you that the ~/_mynewfiles.zip_ does not exist. But don’t worry, as the script will automatically create the zip file. ![Zipping files automatically with a script](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/16.png) Zipping files automatically with a script ## Conclusion > _Reduce service desk calls & update cache credentials for remote users even off VPN with a self-service password reset solution. [Get a Demo of Specops uReset!](https://specopssoft.com/contact-us/?utm_source=ata&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=na_ata&utm_content=mention)_ Throughout this tutorial, you’ve learned how to manage zip files (compress and decompress) and a practice example of how to automate the process of zipping files. As promised, you are now a “zip master”! Now would you either turn to manual or automated processes the next time you’re zipping? 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This tutorial guides you through its practical applications. ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/openldap-4.jpg) ### [How to Install and Configure an OpenLDAP Ubuntu Server](/openldap/) Unlock the power of OpenLDAP on Ubuntu for centralized user authentication, seamless access control management, and enhanced directory services! ![](https://adamtheautomator.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pipe-command-in-linux-1.jpg) ### [Unleashing the Power of the Pipe Command in Linux](/pipe-command-in-linux/) Unlock the prowess of the pipe command in Linux to streamline tasks, boost productivity, and simplify complex operations effortlessly! ## Categories * [IT Ops](/category/it-ops/) * [Cloud](/category/cloud/) * [DevOps](/category/devops/) * [Home Ops](/category/home-ops/) * [Information Security](/category/infosec/) * [Software Development](/category/software-development/) ## Site * [Home](/) * [Tutorials](/tutorials/) * [Instructors](/author/) * [Advertising](/advertising/) * [Recommended Resources](/resources/) * [About Adam](/about-adam/) Copyright 2026© ATA Learning | [Privacy Policy](/privacy/)