Frequently Asked Questions

A ZIP file is a compressed folder that contains multiple files. ZIP files allow Teacher-Authors to provide multiple files in one TPT resource.

ZIP files need to be unzipped in order to extract the files inside. Both Windows and Mac OS are able to unzip ZIP files without additional software. iPhones and iPads will require an additional app.

Below you will find step by step instructions on how to open a ZIP file that you've downloaded from TPT based on the device you're using:

• Microsoft Windows
• Mac OS
• Chromebook
• iPhone/iPad
• Free Online ZIP Extractor
• Common Issues

If your computer runs Microsoft Windows:

1. Right-click on the unopened ZIP folder.
2. Choose "Extract All" from the menu that opens.
   
   
3. Choose a destination. This is the place where you want to keep the unzipped files. You can choose "My Documents," for example.
4. Click "Extract."

You can also locate the file and extract it after downloading from Google Chrome by following these steps:

1. After downloading the file, locate it using the downloads button at the top of the Google Chrome browser, and click to open the Extraction Tool.
   
   
2. Click on the button at the top of the page that reads "Extract All."
   
   
    
3. After extraction is complete, a new folder window will open containing the files inside the ZIP. If you see a folder named _MACOSX, you can delete or ignore it. Those files are created when the ZIP is made on a Mac, and are not used by Windows.

If your computer runs Mac OS:

Double-click the unopened ZIP — the file should extract automatically. If that doesn't work, hold down the control key and click the ZIP file icon. Choose "Open With" and then select "Archive Utility." The utility will extract the ZIP files, and you can find them in the same folder where you downloaded them.

If you’re using a Chromebook:

1. Double-click on the ZIP file, or right-click and choose “Extract all.”
2. You’ll notice that the ZIP file has been mounted and is located in your file manager alongside your Downloads folder, Google Drive account, and any other services you mounted.
3. To extract the files from your archive, open a new file manager window, browse to or create a folder for the files, and then drag everything from one window to the other.
4. This will extract those files out of the ZIP archive and make them accessible for you.

If you’re using a mobile iOS device, such as an iPhone or iPad:

If you're using an iPhone or iPad, current iOS software will allow you to open ZIP files automatically.

If you’re still having trouble with a mobile iOS device, we recommend iZip, a popular and reliable option that is free in the App Store.

To unzip a ZIP file with the most recent iOS software:

1. Locate the ZIP file in the “Files” app on your device. It should be in the “Downloads” folder.
2. Tap the ZIP file you wish to open.
3. The unzipped folder will appear in the “Files” app.

If you’re using the iZip app:

1. Open the iZip app.
2. Select the “Document Browser” option.
3. Tap the ZIP file you wish to open.
4. You’ll see a popup modal asking if you wish to open the file from your “Files” app. Select “Yes.”
5. The app will ask if you wish to unzip all of the files. Select “OK.”

What if I've tried these instructions, and I'm still having trouble opening a ZIP file?

For a simple solution that works on Windows and Mac OS, we recommend extracting ZIP files online using one of these free websites:

• https://extract.me/ 
• unzip-online.com

What if I'm receiving error messages about a ZIP file?

Common error messages in Windows include:

• "Path too long" — The complete filename, including its location in your system, is too long. This is probably because there are nested folders in the ZIP. Try extracting it to a new folder on your desktop, instead of in your system folders. You can move the folder later.
• "The destination file could not be created" — This message can occur when the ZIP file is in a protected area. Try moving the ZIP file into one of your user profile folders, such as "Downloads" or "Documents," before extracting it. If that doesn't work, the ZIP file may be corrupted, or may have strong compression that Windows cannot open.
• The compressed (zipped) folder and files within are empty: This message can appear when the default ZIP file isn’t extracted and isn’t opening with default Windows software. More information on how to resolve this issue can be found here.
• If you get a different error or need another solution, contact us or try one of the free websites above.

Common error messages in Mac OS include:

• "Operation not permitted" or "No such file or directory" – These are rare and somewhat general messages that often mean the file is corrupted or otherwise inaccessible. If you're unable to resolve the issue, contact us or try one of the free websites listed above.

What if I can see the files listed in the ZIP folder, but I'm unable to open them? 

If you're using Windows, this can happen if you're previewing a ZIP file that was made in Mac OS. Apple's compression software adds an extra folder and files that can make it tricky to extract the ZIP using Windows.

You can recognize and avoid the incorrect folder if:

• A file won't open when you click it
• You see a file named "ds.store"
• You're in a folder titled "_MacOSX"

This folder contains data needed for managing the ZIP on a Mac. Since it is a subfolder in the ZIP file, you should be able to back up one folder level and see the actual contents of the ZIP file.

If you're unable to avoid the "_MacOSX" folder and get the ZIP contents extracted to your Windows system, please contact us or try one of the free websites mentioned above.