Zipping is a compression technology. Having your files compressed allows them to have a smaller file size. The smaller file size translates into a shorter download time. The drawback is the files have to decompressed before using. The compression technology / algorithm allows for seamless compression and decompression without loss of information. This is good. If compressing or decompressing caused information to be lost or corrupted it would not be useful.To use a compressed file after you have downloaded it, you will need to decompress it.

There are several programs on the market that can be used for free or offer a free trial.

Winzip: http://www.winzip.com (although they encourage people topurchase, you can actually download a trial version without purchasing: http://www.winzip.com/downwz.htm you can click on "Download Winzip now"under step 2 and it will take you directly to the download of theirsoftware)

Winrar: http://www.rarlab.com/ (both trial and free versions)

7-zip (http://www.7-zip.org/)

These programs, and others, will allow you to unzip/decompress your embroidery designs and input them into your embroidery machine or editing software. Some of our alphabets may be zipped twice (monograms are usually the only ones done this way). Please be sure the files you are attempting to put into your machine or editing software have been unzipped-as they may not recognize the file.

Tutorial:  http://www.8clawsandapaw.com/how-to-successfully-unzip-your-embroidery-files.html