How does AnExplorer fix How to Create ZIP Files?

This guide provides step-by-step instructions to troubleshoot and resolve the issue quickly using AnExplorer.

Are there other related fixes available?

Yes. The troubleshooting section connects you to related file, transfer, and device guides.

How to Create ZIP Files on Android — Compress Files & Folders

Why You Need to Create ZIP Files on Android

Compressing files into ZIP archives is one of the most common file operations — and one that most Android file managers can't do. Google Files, Samsung My Files, Xiaomi File Manager, and most built-in apps can extract ZIP files but cannot create them. This forces users to transfer files to a PC just to compress them.

Common reasons you need to create ZIP files on your phone:

Email attachments: Email services limit attachment sizes (25 MB for Gmail). Compressing a folder of documents or photos into a ZIP reduces size and sends as a single file instead of many.

Sharing multiple files: Instead of sending 20 photos individually via messaging, compress them into one ZIP file. The recipient gets everything in a single download.

Backup and archival: Compress old project folders, completed work, or photo collections before moving to cloud or NAS. Saves storage space and keeps files organized.

App submission: Some platforms require files uploaded as ZIP archives (app stores, assignment submissions, portfolio uploads).

Reducing cloud storage usage: Compressing files before uploading to Google Drive or Dropbox saves cloud storage quota.

Creating ZIP Files with AnExplorer

Basic compression (files and folders)

Open AnExplorer → navigate to the files you want to compress
Long-press the first file to enter selection mode
Tap additional files/folders to add to the selection
Tap ⋮ (menu) → Compress
Choose format: ZIP (universal) or 7z (better compression)
Enter a name for the archive
Tap Create

The archive appears in the same folder. Share it via email, messaging, Device Connect, or upload to cloud.

Compressing an entire folder

To compress a complete folder (with all subfolders and files):

Navigate to the parent directory containing the folder
Long-press the folder to select it
Tap ⋮ → Compress → ZIP
The entire folder structure is preserved inside the archive

Password-protected ZIP

For sensitive files (financial documents, personal photos):

Select files → Compress
Enable "Password protection"
Enter a strong password
Create — the ZIP requires the password to extract

Recipients need to enter the password when opening the archive. Works with all ZIP-compatible tools on any platform.

ZIP vs 7z — Which to Choose

Aspect	ZIP	7z
Compatibility	✅ Universal (all OS open natively)	⚠️ Needs 7-Zip/WinRAR on Windows
Compression ratio	Good (30-50% for mixed files)	Better (40-60% for mixed files)
Speed	Fast	Slower (better compression takes more time)
Password protection	✅ (AES-256)	✅ (AES-256)
Max file size	4 GB per file (ZIP64: unlimited)	Unlimited
Best for	Sharing with anyone	Personal archival, maximum compression

Rule of thumb: Use ZIP when sharing with others (everyone can open it). Use 7z when archiving for yourself (smaller files, you have AnExplorer to open them).

Compression Ratios by File Type

Not all files compress equally:

File type	Typical compression	Why
Text documents (.txt, .md, .csv)	60-90% smaller	Text is highly compressible
Office documents (.pdf, .docx)	10-30% smaller	Already partially compressed internally
Source code (.java, .py, .js)	60-80% smaller	Text-based, highly compressible
Photos (.jpeg, .png)	5-15% smaller	Already compressed formats
Videos (.mp4, .mkv)	1-5% smaller	Already heavily compressed
Audio (.mp3, .aac)	1-3% smaller	Already compressed
RAW photos (.dng, .arw)	20-40% smaller	Uncompressed sensor data
Uncompressed audio (.wav)	40-60% smaller	Raw PCM data compresses well

Practical takeaway: Compressing a folder of documents saves significant space. Compressing a folder of photos/videos saves almost nothing — the benefit is combining many files into one for easier sharing.