Check a ZIP file before sharing it
Before sending a ZIP, look at more than the files inside. Folder names, file dates and archive comments can give away private details too. ZIP privacy can clean those outer details. You'll still need to check the documents and pictures themselves.
1. Choose what belongs in the ZIP
Make a separate folder with only the files the reader needs. Leave out old backups, account exports and private settings files. Clean documents or photos before adding them if they contain saved author or location details. ZIP privacy doesn't change the contents of the files inside.
2. Open a supported archive
Choose a standard ZIP in ZIP privacy. Its limits are 32 MiB, 1,000 files and folders, and 64 MiB when unpacked. It can't open encrypted, split or ZIP64 archives. If it refuses the file, make a supported copy in your own ZIP app. Changing the filename ending won't convert it.
3. Remove unwanted archive details
Leave Remove Mac and Windows junk files on to leave out files such as .DS_Store and Thumbs.db. Cleaning also removes archive comments and extra saved fields, and sets the ZIP's file dates to 1980-01-01. Dates written inside a document or photo stay as they were.
4. Decide whether to change names
Replace file and folder names with neutral names can hide private names in the ZIP. It keeps file extensions, such as .pdf. Read the name-change report. Put all files in one folder is a separate choice. Renaming or moving files can break links between them, so keep the structure if you're sharing a working project.
5. Unpack the cleaned copy and check it
Choose Clean ZIP archive, read the report and use Download cleaned ZIP. Extract it into a new folder on your device. Check the file count, names and contents. The new ZIP uses no compression, so it can be larger than the original.
6. Look for secrets in the files too
Folder/ZIP secret scanner can help spot common passwords and keys in supported files. Check its findings and search for private names yourself. No findings doesn't mean no secrets. If the contents need a password, encrypt the checked archive separately before sending it.
Good to know
ZIP privacy won't hide writing inside documents, check for viruses or encrypt the ZIP. Changing names can also stop a project working. Keep the original and check the unpacked copy before you send it, including any ZIP files inside it.