How to create a password-protected ZIP on Mac (free, no Terminal)

Finder’s built-in Compress cannot set a password. Here is a free open-source way with OpenZip.

Why macOS alone is not enough

Right-click → Compress makes a ZIP, but never asks for a password. Workarounds (zip -e in Terminal, or paid apps) are what most “password zip mac” searches are really about.

Steps with OpenZip

Download free OpenZip from GitHub Releases. First launch: right-click the app → Open.
Select files in Finder, or drop them on the OpenZip window.
Choose Compress with Password (app button or Finder extension).
Enter a password (or Generate). Optionally turn on “Recipient opens on Windows without extra software” for ZipCrypto; leave off for stronger AES-256.
Share the new .zip and send the password separately (not in the same email if you can avoid it).

AES-256 vs ZipCrypto (Windows)

AES-256 is stronger; Windows Explorer often needs 7-Zip/WinRAR/etc. to open it. ZipCrypto is weaker but opens in stock Windows Explorer — OpenZip asks this in plain language instead of crypto jargon.

Clean zips for Windows

OpenZip strips .DS_Store and __MACOSX by default so recipients do not see Mac junk folders.

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