Yes, you can share a whole folder. The trick is to zip it first. Zipping wraps every file and subfolder into a single archive, which you then upload like any other file. It's free, needs no account, and the folder's structure stays exactly as it was.
Uploading a raw folder isn't possible on its own, since shares work with files. But a zip is a file, so one archive can carry an entire folder tree. When the other person unzips it, they get your folders and files laid out just the way you had them.
Why zip a folder
Zipping does three helpful things at once:
- Keeps structure. Subfolders, file names, and order all stay intact.
- Bundles into one file. A folder of 40 items becomes a single .zip, which counts as one file toward your limit.
- Often shrinks the size. Compression can trim the total, helping you stay under 3 GB.
Because your zip is delivered byte-for-byte unchanged, it unpacks perfectly on the other end. Nothing inside gets altered or re-encoded.
Good to know: A zipped folder counts as just one file toward your 100-file limit, so folder count is rarely the problem - Total size is what to watch, since the whole archive must fit under 3 GB.
How to zip on any device
The steps are quick no matter what you're using.
Windows
- Right-click the folder you want to send.
- Choose Send to, then Compressed (zipped) folder.
- A .zip appears next to the original. That's your file to upload.
Mac
- Right-click (or Control-click) the folder.
- Choose Compress "FolderName".
- A .zip lands in the same spot, ready to share.
Phone (iPhone or Android)
- iPhone: open the Files app, long-press the folder, and tap Compress.
- Android: use the Files app or a free zip app, select the folder, and choose Compress or Zip.
- Upload the new .zip from your browser.
For a fuller walkthrough with screenshots of each path, see how to send a folder or zip online.
Check the limits before uploading
Your zipped folder still follows the same two rules as any share.
| Rule | Value |
|---|---|
| Files per share | Up to 100 |
| Total size per share | Up to 3 GB |
| Folder structure | Preserved inside the zip |
Since a zip counts as one file, folder count is rarely an issue. Size is the one to watch. If your archive tops 3 GB, you have a few options:
Our guide on how to compress files before sharing covers ways to bring a heavy folder under the line.
After you upload
Once your zip is up, you get a short link and a QR code to pass along. The person on the other end downloads the archive and unzips it to find your original folder tree, untouched.
You can add protection too. Turn on a password so only the right people open it, or switch on delete-after-first-download for a one-time handoff. Expiry runs from 1 hour to 7 days, defaults to 24 hours, and renews for another 24 hours each time someone downloads, so an active share stays live while it's in use.
Related
Zipping a folder often ties into a larger transfer, so how to send large files online is a good next read. Wondering how a zip counts against your batch? How many files can I share at once explains the 100-file rule. And if your archive is bumping the ceiling, how large can my files be walks through the 3 GB total. Quick note: shareit.onl is a browser tool and is not affiliated with the SHAREit app.