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How to Create a ZIP File from PDF Documents in Windows 8.1
Question details
The user needs to compress one or more PDF documents into a ZIP archive in Windows 8.1 to facilitate easier email sharing.
- Product
- Windows / PDF Documents
- Device & OS
- Windows 8.1
- Scenario
- Preparing multiple or large PDF files for email attachment or file sharing.
- Observed behavior
- The user wants to bundle multiple PDFs into a single ZIP folder or reduce the overall file size for faster transfer.
Ensure all the PDF files you want to include in the ZIP folder are saved in an easily accessible location on your Windows 8.1 computer, such as your Desktop or Documents folder.
Use Windows 8.1 Built-in Compression Tool
Windows 8.1 includes a native feature that allows you to quickly zip files without needing to install third-party compression software.
Open File Explorer and navigate to the folder containing the PDF documents you want to compress.
Click and drag to select multiple PDFs, or hold down the 'Ctrl' key on your keyboard while clicking to select specific individual files.
Right-click on the selected files, hover over 'Send to' in the context menu, and click on 'Compressed (zipped) folder'.
A new ZIP folder will appear in the same directory. Type a new, recognizable name for the folder and press Enter to save.
Reduce PDF File Size Before Zipping
Because PDFs are often already compressed natively, zipping them might not significantly reduce their overall size. Compressing the PDF internally first yields much better results.
Compress and Manage PDFs Easily with WPS Office
While zipping files bundles them together, using WPS Office's built-in PDF compression tool can significantly reduce the actual file size of your documents before sending them via email, bypassing attachment limits effortlessly.
- 1. Install WPS Office: Download and install WPS Office for free on your Windows computer.
- 2. Open the PDF: Launch the WPS Office application and open the large PDF file you wish to share.
- 3. Access the Compress Tool: Navigate to the 'Tools' tab on the top ribbon and select 'Compress PDF'.
- 4. Choose Compression Level: Select your desired level of compression based on the required file size and visual quality, then click 'Compress'.
- 5. Save and Attach: Save the newly optimized file and attach it directly to your email without needing to zip it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why didn't my PDF file size decrease significantly after zipping?
PDF files already utilize internal compression for images and text content. Therefore, placing them into a ZIP folder may only slightly reduce the total file size. For more noticeable results, use a dedicated PDF compression tool before zipping.
Can I add more PDF files to an existing ZIP folder in Windows 8.1?
Yes. You can simply select additional PDF files in File Explorer, and then drag and drop them directly onto the existing ZIP folder icon. Windows will automatically add them to the compressed archive.
Is there a limit to how many PDFs I can zip at once in Windows?
While Windows 8.1 doesn't have a strict limit on the number of individual files, the resulting ZIP file cannot exceed 4GB using the standard built-in Windows compression tool on a FAT32 drive, though NTFS formatted drives support much larger archives.
