WinZip is the world’s most popular file compression software with over 20 years experience as the leader in the file compression industry. No other file compression utility is as easy to use or offers such a comprehensive and innovative feature set to help you save time, conserve space, and improve productivity. WinZip was launched for Windows in 2004 and offers a host of features, including the ability to simultaneously run multiple compression tasks for those heavy users out there. It creates archives in the form of ZIPX or ZIP files as well as LHA/LZH, and supports extracting from many other common formats including RAR and TAR.

The software also facilitates encryption as mentioned, with 256-bit AES encryption, plus users can burn files directly to CDs or DVDs. WinZip supports multiple simultaneous burns, too. The writing of compressed files is fast and reliable. The new WinZip introduces new functionality that makes it even easier to compress files and decompress files, encrypt confidential information, share files swiftly and safely, and backup important data automatically. With a powerful new architecture for increased zipping performance, a simplified interface, a groundbreaking desktop gadget, and enhanced file sharing capabilities, this release represents the very best in WinZip technology.

WinZip comes with an integrated PDF converter that can convert Word files to PDFs or vice versa before compression, which could be a very useful time-saving feature. Another key time-saving feature is ZipSend, which allows users to send emails with large attachments by zipping and then transferring them. The compression ratio for compressing or archiving emails is pretty good too. WinZip allows users to produce self-extracting ZIP files that don’t require any third-party application for unpacking. The application also offers integration with Microsoft Windows. Additionally, it has a separate plug-in for Microsoft Outlook.

With easy tools and drag-and-drop functionality, WinZip helps you create compressed files in the following formats: Zip, LHA, and Zipx (our smallest Zip file to date). Not sure which format to use? Let WinZip select the best compression method to maximize efficiency! You can even create self-extracting Zip files, which are ideal for distribution to recipients who may not own WinZip.

WinZip also provides advanced photo and image compression. With a single click, you can compress your digital photographs and graphic images by 20-25% with no loss of quality or data integrity. This lets you send files faster and fit more on your flash drive, CD/DVD, or hard disk. Decompress Files In addition to compressing files, WinZip instantly opens and extracts content from the industry’s widest selection of compressed file types, including Zip, Zipx, RAR, 7Z, BZ2, LHA, CAB, IMG, ISO, and most other file archive formats.

WinZip is a great utility for compressing and encrypting files which is available across a number of platforms. The compression ratios and speeds it achieves are impressive, and those who aren’t sure about the app can give the trial version a spin before committing to a purchase.