Password-protect a zip file
Make an AES-256 encrypted zip from your files. The password and the files stay on your device: encryption happens in your browser.
or drop files and folders here
Files never leave your device · Free, no sign-up · No file limit
How to password-protect a zip
- Choose the files or folder to protect.
- Type a password twice. A long phrase is stronger than a short, clever one.
- Select Create protected zip and download the encrypted file.
Real encryption, not a lock icon
Files are encrypted with AES-256 in the WinZip format (AE-2), with a key derived from your password. Without the password the contents cannot be read. File names inside a zip stay visible; to hide them as well, zip the zip.
Opening it
7-Zip, WinRAR, PeaZip, Keka, The Unarchiver and Scissor Zip open AES zips and ask for the password. The built-in Windows and macOS zip tools only handle the older, weak ZipCrypto method, so recipients may need one of these apps.
Questions about Password-protect zip
Are my files uploaded?
No. The archive is built or opened by an engine that runs inside your browser tab. Your files stay on your device, and the page works without a connection after the first visit.
What if I forget the password?
Nobody can recover it, including us: we never see it. Keep it in a password manager.
Which apps can open the zip?
7-Zip, WinRAR, PeaZip, Keka, The Unarchiver, Bandizip and Scissor Zip's own Unzip tool. Windows Explorer and the macOS Archive Utility cannot open AES-encrypted zips.
How long should the password be?
At least 12 characters. Four or five random words are easy to remember and hard to guess.