You can open a zip file directly in Google Drive without downloading it first
A zip file is a container that holds one or more files compressed together to save space. When you receive a zip file in Google Drive, you have two main options: preview what's inside without extracting it, or unzip it to create a folder with the original files. Google Drive lets you do both without leaving the browser.
The fastest route depends on what you need. If you just want to see what's in the zip file, right-click it and select "Preview" — this shows you a list of the files inside without unpacking anything. If you need to actually use the files, you'll unzip it instead, which creates a new folder in your Drive containing all the original documents, images, or spreadsheets.
Key Takeaways
- Right-click a zip file in Google Drive and select "Preview" to see what files are inside without unpacking them.
- To unzip a file, right-click it, select "Extract," and choose where the new folder should go in your Drive.
- Unzipping creates a folder with the original files — the zip file itself stays in your Drive unless you delete it.
- If the "Extract" option doesn't appear, the file may be corrupted or too large; try downloading it to your computer instead.
How to preview a zip file without extracting it
Open Google Drive in your browser and locate the zip file. Right-click on it (or on a Mac, Control-click). A menu will appear with several options. Select "Preview" from the list.
A preview window opens showing you a list of all the files inside the zip. You can see the file names, their sizes, and what type each one is — document, image, video, and so on. This is useful if someone sent you a zip file and you want to confirm what's in it before you unzip it. You can close this preview window at any time by clicking the X or pressing Escape.
How to unzip a file in Google Drive
Right-click the zip file and select "Extract" from the menu. Google Drive will ask you where you want the unzipped folder to go. By default it suggests the same folder where the zip file is located, but you can click the folder icon to choose a different location in your Drive.
Click "Extract" in the dialog box. Google Drive unpacks the zip file and creates a new folder with the original files inside. The process usually takes a few seconds, though very large zip files may take longer. Once it's done, you'll see the new folder appear in your Drive alongside the original zip file. Both remain in your Drive — the zip file doesn't disappear automatically.
What to do if you can't extract the file
If you right-click the zip file and don't see an "Extract" option, the file may be corrupted, encrypted with a password, or too large for Google Drive to handle. Try downloading the file to your computer instead and extracting it there using your operating system's built-in tools.
On Windows, right-click the zip file and select "Extract All." On a Mac, double-click the zip file and it will unzip automatically. If the file still won't open, it may have been damaged during upload or read. Ask the person who sent it to you to send it again, or ask them to send the individual files unzipped instead of in a zip container.
Why someone might send you a zip file
Zip files are useful when someone needs to send you multiple files at once or when file size matters. Compressing files into a zip reduces their total size, which makes them faster to upload and read. A zip file also keeps related files grouped together — for example, a project folder with documents, images, and spreadsheets all in one container.
You might also receive a zip file from a website where you downloaded software, templates, or a collection of resources. In those cases, unzipping reveals the actual files you need to use.
Deleting a zip file after you've extracted it
Once you've unzipped a file and confirmed that the new folder contains everything you need, you can delete the original zip file to save space in your Drive. Right-click the zip file and select "Move to trash." This doesn't affect the unzipped folder or the files inside it — only the zip container itself is deleted.
If you think you might need the zip file again later, you can leave it in your Drive. It takes up very little space compared to the unzipped files, so keeping it is usually not a problem. Some people keep zip files as backups in case they need to send the same group of files to someone else.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a zip file on my phone using Google Drive?
The Google Drive app on Android and iPhone doesn't have a built-in extract feature. You can preview the contents by opening the file, but to actually unzip it you'll need to use a separate app like Archive Utility (iPhone) or ZArchiver (Android), or do it on a computer instead.
What if the zip file is password protected?
Google Drive won't extract a password-protected zip file. You'll need to read it to your computer and use a tool like 7-Zip (Windows) or The Unarchiver (Mac) that can prompt you for the password. Ask whoever sent you the file for the password if you don't have it.
Does extracting a zip file use up more storage space?
Yes. The unzipped folder takes up roughly the same amount of space as the original files did before they were compressed. If you're running low on Google Drive storage, you may need to delete the zip file after extracting it, or delete other files to make room.
Can I edit files inside a zip without extracting it?
No. You have to extract the zip file first to get the individual files out. Once they're unzipped, you can open and edit them normally in Google Docs, Sheets, or whatever app they belong to.