ArchivePro User Guide

Complete Documentation

ArchivePro - Complete User Guide

Master the art of ZIP file creation and extraction

Version 3.1.0 " Last Updated: October 2024

Table of Contents

What is ArchivePro?

ArchivePro is a powerful tool that helps you work with ZIP files right in your web browser. You can:

=� Create ZIP Files

Combine multiple files and folders into a single compressed archive

=� Extract ZIP Files

Open ZIP files and get the files inside with preserved folder structure

= Password Protection

Keep your files secure with military-grade AES encryption

=A Preview Files

View images, documents, and PDFs before extracting

=� Privacy First

All your files stay on your computer. We don't store, upload, or share anything. Everything happens locally in your browser.

Getting Started

Opening the App

  1. Open the index.html file in your web browser
  2. You'll see the ArchivePro homepage with two tabs at the top
  3. Choose between Create Archive or Extract Archive mode

=� Switching Between Modes

Click on the tabs to switch:

  • Create Archive - For making new ZIP files
  • Extract Archive - For opening existing ZIP files

Create Archive Mode

Step 1: Adding Files

There are three ways to add files:

 Method 1: Drag and Drop (Easiest!)

  1. Find the files or folders on your computer
  2. Drag them directly into the large upload area
  3. Drop them when you see the highlighted zone
  4. Files added instantly!

 Method 2: Click to Browse

  1. Click the "Add Files" button
  2. A file picker window will open
  3. Select one or multiple files
  4. Click "Open"

 Method 3: Upload Entire Folders

  1. Click the "Add Folder" button
  2. Select a folder from your computer
  3. All files inside (including subfolders) will be added
  4. Folder structure preserved!

Step 2: Managing Your Files

File Actions

=A

Preview

Click to view the file before creating ZIP. Works for images, text files, and PDFs.

=�

Remove

Removes the file from your list (doesn't delete from computer).



Select

Check multiple files to delete them all at once.

= Searching Files

Type in the search box to filter files by name as you type.

<� Filtering Files

Filter by type (Images, Documents, Videos) or size ranges.

Step 3: Compression Settings

Compression Level

Controls how much your files are squeezed to save space:

  • 0 - Store: No compression (fastest, but largest file)
  • 3 - Low: Light compression
  • 6 - Medium: Balanced (recommended)
  • 9 - Maximum: Smallest file size (takes longer)

= Password Protection

  1. Toggle "Enable Password Protection" ON
  2. Enter your password in the text field
  3. Check the password strength meter (Red = Weak, Yellow = Fair, Green = Strong)
  4. Choose encryption strength: AES-128, AES-192, or AES-256

� Don't forget your password! You'll need it to open the ZIP later.

Step 4: Creating the ZIP File

  1. Make sure you've added all your files
  2. (Optional) Configure compression and password settings
  3. Click the big "Create Archive" button
  4. Watch the progress window showing:
    • Current file being processed
    • Progress bar (0-100%)
    • Estimated time remaining
    • Files processed counter
  5. When done, your ZIP file automatically downloads!
  6. Look in your Downloads folder for the file

During Creation:

  • Pause Button: Temporarily stop (you can resume later)
  • Cancel Button: Stop and discard (no ZIP created)

Extract Archive Mode

Step 1: Upload a ZIP File

Method 1: Drag and Drop

  1. Find your ZIP file on your computer
  2. Drag it into the upload area
  3. Drop when highlighted
  4. ZIP loaded!

Method 2: Click to Browse

  1. Click "Browse Files" button
  2. Select your ZIP file
  3. Click "Open"
  4. ZIP loaded!

Step 2: Viewing ZIP Contents

Analysis Summary

Total Files

Count

Compressed Size

ZIP Size

Uncompressed Size

Actual Size

Compression Ratio

Percentage

= Encryption Badge: Appears if the ZIP is password-protected

Step 3: Previewing Files

Before extracting, you can preview some files:

=�

Images

jpg, png, gif, webp, svg

=�

Text Files

txt, md, json, xml, code

=�

PDFs

Built-in viewer

Step 4: Extracting Files

Option A: Extract to Folder (Chrome/Edge 86+)

  1. Click the "Extract to Folder" button
  2. A folder picker window appears
  3. Choose where to extract (Desktop, Documents, etc.)
  4. Click "Select Folder"
  5. Files extract directly with folder structure preserved!

Option B: Extract All Files (Firefox/Safari)

Files download individually to your Downloads folder.

� Note: Folder structure becomes underscores in filenames (e.g., photos_vacation_beach.jpg)

Option C: Extract Selected Files

  1. Check boxes next to files you want
  2. Click "Extract Selected" button
  3. Only chosen files are extracted

Option D: Download Individual Files

Hover over any file and click the green download icon =� to get just that file.

= Password-Protected ZIPs

If the ZIP is encrypted:

  1. Click extract (any method)
  2. Password Required window appears
  3. Enter the password
  4. Click "Unlock" button
  5. If correct: Extraction continues!
  6. If wrong: Try again with correct password

=� Password is remembered for the session - no need to re-enter for multiple extractions.

Additional Features

< Dark Mode / Light Mode

Switch themes for comfortable viewing:

  • Click the < /  icon (top-right corner)
  • Toggles between Light and Dark modes
  • Auto Theme: Matches your system preference

=� Analytics Dashboard

See detailed statistics about your files:

  • File type distribution (pie chart)
  • File size distribution (bar chart)
  • Compression preview
  • Smart insights and recommendations

=� View Modes

Switch between display styles:

  • Grid View: Large icons, visual preview
  • List View: Compact table, detailed info

( Keyboard Shortcuts

Add files Ctrl/Cmd + O
Create archive Ctrl/Cmd + S
Close windows ESC

Tips & Tricks

Creating Better Archives

=� Tip 1: Organize First

Organize files into folders on your computer first, then add the main folder to preserve structure.

=� Tip 2: Name Clearly

Use descriptive archive notes. Example: "2024 Tax Documents - Keep 7 years"

=� Tip 3: Split Large Collections

Don't put everything in one giant ZIP. Create themed archives for easier management.

=� Tip 4: Use Passwords Wisely

Password-protect sensitive documents but not everything. Write down passwords securely!

Extracting Like a Pro

=� Tip 1: Preview First

Use preview to verify it's the right ZIP. Check a few files before extracting everything.

=� Tip 2: Select Strategically

Don't extract everything if you only need some files. Use "Extract Selected" for specific files.

=� Tip 3: Check Encryption

Look for the = lock icon before extracting. Have password ready.

=� Tip 4: Organize Downloads

Create a dedicated extraction folder. Example: Desktop/Extracted_Files/

� Performance Tips

  • For Large Archives: Be patient, processing takes time. Don't close browser during creation.
  • For Large Files: Use Store compression for videos/images. Split into smaller ZIPs if possible.
  • Browser Memory: Close other tabs when working with large ZIPs. Chrome/Edge handle large files best.

Troubleshooting

L "File too large" warning

Problem: Trying to add a file over 2GB

Solution: ZIP format has 2GB per file limit. Split large files or use RAR/7z formats.

L ZIP creation freezes or fails

Possible Fixes:

  • Too many files: Try fewer files per ZIP or create multiple smaller archives
  • Out of memory: Close other tabs and programs, restart browser
  • Corrupted file: Remove files one by one to find the problem

L Can't extract files (password protected)

Problem: Wrong password or forgot password

Solutions:

  • Double-check password (case-sensitive!)
  • Check CAPS LOCK is off
  • Contact person who created the ZIP
  • No password = no extraction (encryption is secure!)

L Download doesn't start

Problem: ZIP created but doesn't download

Check:

  • Browser popup blocker (allow popups for this site)
  • Download folder is full (free up space)
  • Antivirus blocking downloads (temporarily disable)
  • Try different browser

� Extract to Folder not available

Reason: Your browser doesn't support folder picking

  • Firefox: Not supported yet
  • Safari: Not supported yet
  • Older Chrome/Edge: Update browser

Solution: Use Chrome/Edge 86+ or accept individual file downloads

=� Still Having Issues?

  1. Re-read the relevant section in this guide
  2. Try a different browser (Chrome/Edge recommended)
  3. Restart your computer
  4. Check the FAQ page for more answers

Quick Reference Card

=� Create Archive Quick Steps

  1. Add files (drag, click, or browse)
  2. (Optional) Set password and compression
  3. Click "Create Archive"
  4. Wait for download
  5. Done!

=� Extract Archive Quick Steps

  1. Upload ZIP file
  2. Review contents (preview if needed)
  3. Click "Extract to Folder" or "Extract All"
  4. Choose destination (Chrome/Edge)
  5. Done!

( Keyboard Shortcuts

Add files Ctrl/Cmd + O
Create archive Ctrl/Cmd + S
Close windows ESC

=� Where Things Are

  • Settings: � icon (top-right)
  • Dark Mode: < icon (top-right)
  • History: "View History" button
  • Analytics: "Show Analytics" button

<� Congratulations!

You now know how to use ArchivePro like a pro.

 Everything stays on your computer (privacy!)

 Use Chrome/Edge for best experience

 Preview before extracting

 Password-protect sensitive files

Happy Archiving! =�