Express Zip File Compression Software is a free file compression program that enables you to easily zip and unzip files and folders. Developed by NCH Software, this handy utility supports all popular archive formats and offers other cool features to help you keep your files safe and secure.

Similar to Pixillion Image Converter, Express Zip File Compression Software is designed to be user-friendly, fast, and efficient. It’s also compatible with other products from the same developer and lets you download them right there on the interface. This is mainly for home use but for commercial purposes, you’ll need the Plus Edition.

What is Express Zip File Compression?

Express Zip File Compression Software—or simply Express Zip—features comprehensive tools to aid you in creating, extracting, and managing compressed files. With it, you can reduce file and folder sizes so they’re not a hassle to share with others—whether it’s through emails, social media, disks, or flash drives. This is easy enough to do thanks to its drag-and-drop functionality. Additionally, you can encrypt your files and add password protection to them for added security. This program supports over 30 archive file formats such as RAR, 7Z, TAR, ZIP, and CAB. 

You can easily open these or simply make your own by selecting your files or folders and adding them to the default ZIP archive. The program also allows you to convert the formats right there so you don’t need to switch to another application. You can even burn the files onto CDs and DVDs here. For the management aspect, the software lets you split large files using its multi-part split tool. There’s an option to create a PAR2 recovery file for repairing corrupt data, as well.

The only issue is that there’s no built-in tutorial to be found. The interface is intuitive enough to understand, but users who aren’t familiar with file compression and extraction—or are not tech-savvy, for that matter—don’t have any access to useful guides on the program itself. Still, there’s a dedicated forum for it on the official website. Plus, the program’s compatibility with other NCH Software applications is a good bonus here.

How do I compress an Express Zip file?

After launching Express Zip File Compression Software, it will prompt you to choose whether you’d like to open an existing archive or create one. By default, it’s already set to “Create” so you can ignore this prompt box or even tick the “Don’t show this window again” option. At the top of the taskbar are four tabs: Menu, Home, Tools, and Suite. The first is a general drop-down list of functions. Meanwhile, the other three display new buttons on the command ribbon.

Home offers the main features, like opening and creating archives, adding files and folders, converting formats, and encryption. Tools contain more specific functions like splitting files. On the other hand, Suite displays shortcuts to other NCH Software programs—allowing you to download and open them on the spot. Under the taskbar, you then have the main work which is divided into two panels: the archive list and the file list. Clicking on an archive name on the left will open the files inside it on the right.

Lastly, the bottom bar is where you control the extraction and output settings. This is also where the Extract button can be found. As mentioned, the placement of buttons and tabs isn’t too complicated to navigate so it’s easy enough to grasp. However, it would still be nice to have a basic tutorial to point out the advanced features you can use. Additionally, some of the buttons shared between tabs are pretty redundant.

For all your file compressing needs

All in all, Express Zip File Compression Software is a great tool to have in your arsenal if you frequently share files or are tight with space in your PC storage. Not only does it offer basic and advanced compression features, but it also includes file security and management functionalities. While the controls can be repetitive, the interface itself is highly user-friendly and intuitive.