BlackBerry 10 – Working with Zip files

Did you know that the BlackBerry 10 File Manager app supports Zip files, which makes sharing lots of files in a compressed package really easy?

For example, my fiancée took some pretty incredible pictures at our local park, so instead of sending me them one at time she zipped up her favorite pictures and sent me a Zip file using NFC.

Tip: Don’t forget that you can use NFC to share files! All you need to do is find the file you’d like to send, tap Share followed by selecting NFC. After doing this, provided your friend’s device has NFC as well, bump the back of your devices together to send the file.

How to zip files and folders

1. Open the File Manager app
2. Touch and hold a file or folder
3. Optionally tap Select More to select additional files or folders
4. Expand the action menu that appears on the right by tapping the three white dots
5. Tap Zip

After completing these steps, you’ll notice a Zip file is created and appears in the folder you are actively viewing. If you want to rename the Zip file, tap and hold the Zip file followed by selecting Rename  from the menu on the right.

How to unzip a file

To preview the contents of a Zip file, tap on the Zip file and review the files within, or optionally tap Unzip along the bottom toolbar to extract the files.

You also have the ability to unzip a file using the following steps:

1. Open the File Manager app
2. Navigate to the location of the Zip file
3. Tap and hold the Zip file
4. Tap Unzip

Where can I learn more about the File Manager?

To learn more, open the Help app on a BlackBerry 10 device and search for File Manager or check out the user guide for your particular BlackBerry 10 device. I’d also recommend checking out the following video which provides a great overview of the various functions offered by BlackBerry 10 File Manager app.

• BlackBerry Z10 User Guide – File Manager
• BlackBerry Q10 User Guide – File Manager

[ YouTube link for mobile viewing ]

Troubleshooting tips

Why can’t I see a Zip icon in the menu when I tap and hold a file?

• If you cannot find the Zip icon, expand the action menu by dragging the three dots that appear in the bottom right corner.

When I preview a Zip file and tap a file, I am shown the error “Unable to open <filename>”.

• This error may occur as a result of opening a password protected Zip file. The File Manager app does not support creating or opening password protected Zip files so you’ll need to access the Zip file to a different location such as your PC or Mac.

To learn about a feature on your BlackBerry 10 smartphone or troubleshoot an issue, there are several great options available to help. Visit www.blackberry.com/support for access to product manuals, how-to demos, tips and tricks, YouTube videos, support forums, knowledge base articles, Twitter support, and contact information for your region.