Your printables arrive as a zip file, which is a compressed folder that holds all your files in one download. You need to extract (unzip) it before you can use the files.
Please use a laptop or desktop computer (PC or Mac) to open your zip file. Phones, tablets and iPads often can’t unzip large files properly. They may show only some of the files, or none at all. If you’ve already downloaded on a mobile device, you can send the file to your computer, or re-download it there from your order confirmation email or account page.
For PC (Windows) Users
How to unzip
- Find the zip file in your Downloads folder.
- Right-click the file and choose Extract All…
- Click Extract. A regular folder will open with your files inside.
Don’t just double-click and open files from inside the zip. Always extract first, or the files may not open or print properly.
Error: “Path is too long” or “Destination path too long”
Windows limits the total length of a file’s location (folder names plus file name). If your zip file is buried in a long chain of folders, extraction can fail. The fix is to shorten the path:
- Move the zip file to your Desktop or straight into the C: drive (just
C:\). - Rename the zip file to something short, like
Printables.zip. - Right-click it and choose Extract All…
- Click Browse and pick a short destination, such as your Desktop or a new folder called
C:\Prints. - Click Extract.
Once the files are out, you can move or rename the folder wherever you like.
Still stuck? Download the free program 7-Zip (7-zip.org). Right-click the zip file, choose 7-Zip, then Extract to “FolderName”. It handles long names better than Windows’ built-in tool.
Other common PC problems
- “The compressed (zipped) folder is invalid” or “Windows cannot open the folder”: The download was probably interrupted. Delete the file and download it again, ideally in Chrome, Edge or Firefox.
- Files look empty or are missing: You may be viewing the zip’s preview. Extract all files first (see above).
- Download was blocked or removed: Your antivirus or browser may have flagged it. Check your Downloads and Security settings, or try a different browser.
- Not enough space: Make sure you have some free storage space on your computer, as unzipped files take up more room than the zip.
For Mac Users
How to unzip
- Find the zip file in your Downloads folder.
- Double-click the zip file. macOS will create a regular folder with your files next to it.
If you downloaded with Safari, the zip may have already unzipped itself. Check your Downloads for a folder with the same name.
Common Mac problems
- “Unable to expand” or “Error 79 / Error 1”: The download is likely incomplete or corrupted. Delete it and download it again.
- Nothing happens when you double-click: Right-click the zip file, choose Open With → Archive Utility.
- Still not working? Install the free app The Unarchiver from the App Store, then right-click the zip and choose Open With → The Unarchiver.
- Files open only as a preview: Make sure you’re opening the extracted folder, not the zip itself.
- “Path too long” on Mac: This is rare, but if it happens, move the zip to your Desktop, rename it to something short, and unzip again.
Tips for Everyone
- Use a computer, not a phone or tablet.
- Make sure the download finished before opening it.
- Keep the original zip file as a backup.
- Open the extracted files in a PDF viewer such as Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) for best printing results.