Format Atlas

Guides

Choosing an Archive Format

ZIP is a practical first choice for unknown recipients. Consider 7Z when their extraction tools and settings can be confirmed.

Which format should you choose?

Choose by the role each file plays in your workflow.

  • Broad sharing → ZIP
  • Compatible tools confirmed → 7Z
  • Test compression on real files

Check extraction first

The extension alone does not determine compression or encryption. Confirm that recipients can safely extract the archive before comparing file sizes.

Formats to consider

ZIP

Good for: Sharing with a broad audience

Less suitable for: Specialized settings required

7Z

Good for: Compression with confirmed tools

Less suitable for: Unexplained sharing with unknown recipients

Before you export

  • Verify the source and contents before extraction.
  • Compression and encryption depend on the tool and settings.

Related comparisons

7Z vs ZIP7Z and ZIP both bundle multiple files. 7Z suits workflows that need flexible compression settings, while ZIP is often easier to extract across operating systems without extra software.

Guides

Handing off and testing a web archiveFor a WARC handoff, check capture scope, dependent records, indexes and replay tools together. Unlike unpacking ZIP, verify what a page at a selected capture time can reproduce.Testing extraction and contents before archive handoffAfter choosing a format, verify the intended file list and recipient environment, test extraction and compare the contents with the originals.

File format basics

File compression

References and specifications