Opening ZI Files

The ZI file type is primarily associated with WinZip.

ZI	File extension: ZI
	File type:	compressed archive file

What is a ZI file

ZI files mostly belong to WinZip by Corel. ZI files are ZIP files that have been renamed to bypass security filters such as email filters that block the downloading of ZIP files. The ZI files can be converted into workable ZIP files by simply renaming the extension. ZIP is the default compressed archive format for WinZip, which is a file compression and archiving software from Corel. The format supports lossless data compression, encryption, and archiving. It was created and released into the public domain in 1989 by Phil Katz,and was implemented in the PKZIP utility from PKWARE.

Compression Method: The ZIP format compresses each file in an archive individually, so it supports the application of a different compression algorithm to each file. ZIP allows a number of compression algorithms, the most common of which is Deflate. It is also possible to include uncompressed files in a ZIP archive.
File Structure: Each ZIP archive must contain an "end of central directory record" at the end. Files can be added in arbitrary order. Each individual file in the archive must be preceded by its "local file header". It is optional to add a "data descriptor" after each file.
Encryption: ZIP supports AES encryption (strong) and Zip 2.0 encryption (weak).

How to open a ZI file

You need a suitable software like WinZip to open a ZI file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your ZI file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a ZI file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online ZI File Viewer

Choose your .zi file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from ZI files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

You can extract texts from ZI file or capture a preview screenshot using our online ZI file viewer:

Just click the "Choose your .zi file to view" button on this page.
After your file is opened in browser,
click "Save as..." in the menu.
Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
Download the converted file.

Programs that open and convert ZI files:

WinZip by Corel
See the previous paragraphs to learn more about the main application. ZI files are often referred to as WinZip compresseds because this type of file is primarily created or used by this software.
7-Zip (compressed archive file) by Igor Pavlov
7-Zip is an open-source file archiving software developed by the individual developer Igor Pavlov. It supports several archive formats, including ZIP, which is the native, lossless compression format for WinZIP. ZIP files may be renamed to ZI to bypass email filters that block ZIP files. To open the file, change the extension from ZI to ZIP. This file format is classified as Compressed. Related links: 7-Zip Repository, 7-Zip on Wikipedia
WinRAR (compressed archive file) by RARLAB
WinRAR is a file compression and archiving program from RARLAB. It supports several archive formats, including ZIP, which is the native, lossless compression format for WinZIP. ZIP files may be renamed to ZI to bypass email filters that block ZIP files. To open the file, change the extension from ZI to ZIP. This file format is classified as Compressed. Related links: WinRAR on Wikipedia, WinRAR FAQs, RAR vs. ZIP Format in WinRAR Manual

Technical Data for ZI File Extension

File classification:

Compressed

Related files:

zi_, zl, zip, zipx, piz

a zi compressed archive file is a special file format by Corel and should only be edited and saved with the appropriate software.

How to solve problems with ZI files

Associate the ZI file extension with the correct application.
Update your software that should actually open compressed archive files. Because only the current version supports the latest ZI file format. Search, therefore, e.g. on the Corel manufacturer website after an available WinZip update.
To make sure that your ZI file is not corrupted or virus-infected, get the file again and scan it with Google's virustotal.com.
Click here to open your .ZI file online - secure, fast, and no downloads needed.