Zip a file

When you want to send your PowerPoint presentation to others, it's easier to do when the file size isn't too big. You can compress, or zip, the file in Windows, which shrinks the size of the file but retains the original quality of your presentation. You can also compress the media files within the presentation so they're a smaller file size and easier to send.

Compress (zip) a presentation with Windows Explorer or File Explorer

1. Open Windows Explorer (Windows 7) or File Explorer (Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10) in one the following ways:

   • In Windows 8, use the keyboard shortcut: Press the Windows key + E on your keyboard.

   • Use the Windows Start menu: Right-click the Windows Start button, and select Open Windows Explorer (Windows 7) or File Explorer (Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10). If you don't see the Start button, move your mouse to the bottom-left corner of the screen.

2. Browse to the presentation you want to compress.

3. Right-click the presentation, and select Send to > Compressed (zipped) folder.

   

   Windows creates a new zip file and gives it an identical name as the PowerPoint file.

4. Send the compressed file to your intended recipient, who can then decompress the file just by clicking it.

Compressing media files in presentations

If your presentation contains audio or video content, you can reduce those media file sizes to make your overall file size smaller. Follow the steps at Compress the media files in your presentation.

See Also

Reduce the file size of a picture