Download ZIP sample files from below available in different sizes. Each of them contains different file types for you to test out.
What is a ZIP File?
A ZIP file is a compressed archive file that uses the Zip compression algorithm. Files are separated, allowing multiple file compression and extraction techniques without having to compress or decompress the entire archive. The ZIP file format is one of the most common compressed archive formats used today, alongside .RAR and .7Z.
Zip files use lossless compression algorithms, ensuring no data loss. Common algorithms include DEFLATE, which combines LZ77 and Huffman coding.
A very simple example of compression is as follows:
Original data: ABABABABABAB Compressed data: 6(AB)
Compression ratio measures the efficiency of data compression. It is the ratio of the original file size to the compressed file size.
Compression Ratio = Compressed Size / Original Size
Zip files also support encryption for security. Common methods include ZipCrypto and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard).
Zip files support various compression levels, balancing between speed and compression ratio.
| Level | Description | Speed | Compression Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | No compression | Fastest | 1:1 |
| 1 | Fastest compression | Very fast | Lower |
| 9 | Maximum compression | Slowest | Highest |
Zip files also support file spanning, allowing large archives to be split across multiple storage media.
