Create a ZIP File on Chromebook
Make ZIPs on a Chromebook — including locked-down school and work devices — without installing anything.
ChromeOS Built-In: Files App
On Chromebooks running ChromeOS 101 or newer, the Files app can create ZIPs natively: 1. Open the Files app 2. Select the file(s) or folder(s) you want to ZIP (Ctrl+click for multiple) 3. Right-click → "Zip selection" 4. The new .zip appears in the same folder No extension, no install. This is the simplest path on a personal Chromebook.
When the Files App Isn't Enough
Some situations where the built-in option falls short: • Managed school/work Chromebooks where admin policies restrict the Files app or downloads • Older ChromeOS versions (pre-101) • You want to control the compression level • You want to ZIP files that came from a web download or shared drive without saving them to disk first In those cases, a browser-based tool works because the browser is always allowed.
Create ZIPs in the Browser (tarpanda)
1. Open tarpanda in Chrome on your Chromebook 2. Switch to "Create" mode 3. Drop files or a folder onto the create zone (or pick with the file dialog) 4. Choose Fast / Normal / Maximum compression 5. Click "Create ZIP" — the file downloads to your Downloads folder No extension installed. Files never leave the browser. Works on every Chromebook with Chrome — including the locked-down ones.
School & Work Chromebooks
Most Chromebook deployment policies block app installs and Chrome Web Store extensions but allow browsing the open web. A pure-website tool that runs entirely in the browser tab — no installer, no extension, no native messaging — sidesteps those restrictions. tarpanda is a website. There's nothing to install, nothing to whitelist, nothing for an admin to approve.
Try it now — free in your browser
No download. No signup. Your files never leave your device.
Create ZIP nowFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, in most cases. Browser tabs are almost always allowed. As long as the IT admin hasn't blocked the specific website, tarpanda works without any install or admin approval.
ChromeOS doesn't currently support encrypted ZIP creation natively, and tarpanda's encrypted-ZIP creation is on the roadmap (not yet shipped). For password-protected ZIPs today, use a desktop tool like 7-Zip or Keka.
It's downloaded to your Chromebook's Downloads folder, just like any other file download. From there you can move it, attach it, or upload it.