NeatZip
Clean ZIP archives, straight from Finder.
When you compress files in the macOS Finder, the archive often
carries hidden Mac-only entries like __MACOSX and .DS_Store.
NeatZip builds the archive from scratch and adds only the items you chose,
so the result is clean by construction — not "cleaned up" afterward.
SOONAlso coming to the Mac App Store.
macOS 13 Ventura or later / Universal (Apple Silicon & Intel) / Notarized by Apple.
Builds a clean ZIP without__MACOSX or .DS_Store
Why "clean"?
__MACOSX isn't part of the ZIP spec — it's something the macOS built-in compressor creates.
On Windows or Linux, unfamiliar "junk" folders show up next to your real files.
NeatZip walks the file tree itself and writes only what you chose. The junk is never created. Your ZIP contains exactly what you see in Finder.
Features
One thing, done well.
Clean by design
__MACOSX, .DS_Store, and ._* (AppleDouble) files are never written in the first place. The result is clean by construction, not cleaned up afterward.
Right-click or drag & drop
Right-click any file or folder in Finder and choose "Clean ZIP with NeatZip…", or drop items onto the window. One step and you're done.
Optional password
Lock an archive when you need to. Choose ZipCrypto for maximum compatibility (opens with a double-click on Windows) or AES-256 for strong encryption.
Fast
Parallel compression makes everyday archives noticeably quicker than the built-in Finder compress — while producing standard ZIP files that open anywhere. Already-compressed files are stored without re-compressing.
Compression only
NeatZip makes ZIP files — it does not open or extract them. It's a focused compressor, not an unzip tool (and macOS already extracts ZIPs with a double-click).
Private by default
No account, no sign-in, and no data collection. NeatZip works fully offline, and your files never leave your Mac.
Requirements
Universal binary — Apple Silicon (arm64) and Intel (x86_64)
Distributed directly via GitHub Releases. A Mac App Store version is coming soon.
FAQ
Is it free?
Yes. There are no ads and no in-app purchases.
What does "clean ZIP" mean?
A ZIP that contains no macOS-only metadata such as __MACOSX, .DS_Store, or ._* files. These are added by the macOS built-in compressor (Archive Utility / ditto) and appear as junk folders on Windows and Linux. NeatZip never writes them in the first place.
Can it extract ZIP files too?
No. NeatZip is focused on creating ZIPs and has no extract feature. macOS already unzips archives with a double-click, so extraction is left to the system.
Which password method should I choose?
It depends on the recipient. ZipCrypto favors compatibility — it opens with a double-click on Windows — but the encryption is weak. AES-256 is strong, but the recipient needs an app like Keka, The Unarchiver, or 7-Zip. Leave the password empty for a regular, unencrypted ZIP.
It says "NeatZip is damaged and can't be opened"
That's the Gatekeeper warning shown right after download. In Finder, right-click NeatZip.app → Open once to launch it the first time. The distributed build is notarized by Apple. This step is not needed for the Mac App Store version.
Will it be on the Mac App Store?
Yes — a Mac App Store version is coming soon. For now you can download the Apple-notarized .dmg directly from GitHub Releases.
Is the source code public?
Yes, it's published on GitHub for transparency and auditability. It is source-available, not open source: you can read the source, but all rights are reserved.
Does it collect any data?
No. NeatZip collects no personal information. The files you compress and your settings all stay on your Mac. See the Privacy Policy for details.
Download NeatZip
Make clean ZIP files that open cleanly everywhere.
macOS 13 Ventura or later / Universal binary / Notarized by Apple — Mac App Store coming soon