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Using WinZip: Introduction

If you've used WinZip® for a while or if you've looked at any of the overview or Quick Start information, you know that there are a number of basic ways to use WinZip.

  • You can use WinZip's Default view. The default view provides a 3 pane layout; Files pane, Zip file pane, and Actions pane for zipping and unzipping with numerous conversion options and direct access to supported cloud service accounts. You can also enter the File Management mode to work with files on your local drives, network drives, and cloud services. File conversion options and sharing can be done with or without zipping your files.
  • If you use WinZip with its Default view, you will be using the WinZip Ribbon interface, which provides a simple, interface of organized menus and options.
  • If you switch to the WinZip Classic view, you will be using the "flat" or All files in Zip view.
  • You can use WinZip's Windows Explorer integration features which include drag and drop features and WinZip's Windows File Explorer integration. These features allow you to perform most of the commonly needed archive operations right from your Desktop or Windows File Explorer; in most cases, you don't need to open WinZip at all.

Which technique you use depends on your preferences and your archiving needs. You may use more than one. A little experimentation should find what's right for you.

Section contents

Using the WinZip Ribbon Interface

Using the Explorer Interface

Using Drag and Drop

WinZip Self Extractor Personal Edition