How to Open a ZIP File | Digital Download Help | Cool Moon Designs

At Cool Moon Designs, all of our digital designs are delivered as zipped folders. This helps keep your files organized and ensures a smooth, secure download.

If you’re new to digital files—or just need a quick refresher—this step-by-step tutorial will show you exactly how to open a zipped folder so you can start using your designs right away.

This guide covers Windows, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android devices. However, we only support laptop and desktop computer downloads. Mobile devices do not work well with our files and we do not support their use when downloading our files. We've include mobile devices for information purposes only. These instructions are generic and may vary from computer to computer, and they are dependent upon what version of your computer software you are running. 

What Is a Zipped Folder?

A zipped folder (also called a ZIP file) is a compressed file that holds one or more files inside it. Before you can use your Cool Moon Designs files, the ZIP folder must be unzipped (extracted).

Zipped folders:

• Usually end in .zip
• Keep multiple design files together
• Must be opened before use in any design software

How to Open a Zipped Folder on Windows (PC)

After paying for your order, you will receive an email like the one below. Click on the email to open it.

After clicking the emailed link, this page will open. Click on "Download Your File(s)

The next screen contains your download(s) links. This screen will show the files you've ordered. In this example, we are delivering a .svg file, a .pdf file, and a zipped folder. In most cases, you will only see the zip folder. Inside the zipped folder, there are additional files. To open the zipped folder, click on it. Keep in mind that you can not use the zip folder with designing or other software. You must open the zip file to extract your design files.

After selecting the Download button, this screen will open. The zipped folder is self-extracting so you should only need to click on the file name.

After clicking the file name, you will see this screen open. These are the extracted files that were inside the zipped file. 

THIS IS IMPORTANT: You will need to move these folders up one level into your downloads folder so that you can access them from Canva, Photoshop, or other software. To move them you will highlight the files with your mouse then drag them into your "Downloads" folder. In the image, the "Downloads" folder is inside a gray box. Drag the files into downloads folder.

Now click on your "Downloads" (the grey box in the right hand side bar). If you have followed the steps above correctly, you will now see the 3 files plus the zipped folder. The only files you will use with Canva, Photoshop or other software are one or more of the 3 files, but you will not use the zip folder. Canva, Photoshop, and other software can not open the zipped folder. You must use, in this case, one of the 3 unzipped files depending upon what file you need to use with modifying our files for a perfect fit.

Windows computers include built-in tools for opening ZIP files—no extra software required.

How to Open a Zipped Folder on Mac

Mac computers make unzipping fast and simple.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Mac)

1. Find the ZIP file in Downloads
2. Double-click the ZIP file
3. A new folder appears automatically
4. Open the folder to access your files

✅ Tip: If double-clicking doesn’t work, right-click the file and choose Open With → Archive Utility (or similar language)

How to Open a Zipped Folder on iPhone or iPad

Apple devices can unzip files using the built-in Files app.

Step-by-Step Instructions (iPhone / iPad)

1. Open the Files app
2. Go to Downloads
3. Tap the ZIP file once
4. A folder is created automatically
5. Tap the folder to view your files

📌 Note: Our design files are best used on a desktop or laptop computer.

How to Open a Zipped Folder on Android

Most Android phones include a file manager that supports ZIP files.

Step-by-Step Instructions (Android)

1. Open My Files or File Manager
2. Navigate to Downloads
3. Tap the ZIP file
4. Select Extract or Unzip
5. Open the new folder to access your files

Common Download Issues (And How to Fix Them)

❌ I don’t see my design files

✔ Make sure you opened the extracted folder that contains your individual files, not the ZIP file

❌ The ZIP file won’t open

✔ Confirm the download finished completely
✔ Try downloading again using a stable connection

❌ My design software can’t find the files

✔ Import files directly from the unzipped folder

Why Cool Moon Designs Uses Zipped Files

We deliver files in ZIP format to:

• Keep your designs neatly organized
• Prevent missing or corrupted files
• Make downloads faster and more reliable

Design software cannot read a ZIP folder, so unzipping per our instructions above is always required before using the design files contained with the zip folder.

Best Practices After Unzipping Your Files

✔ Save extracted files to a dedicated project folder
✔ Back up your downloads for future use
✔ Do not edit files inside ZIP folders
✔ Import designs only after unzipping

Need Help With Your Download?

If you ever have trouble opening a ZIP file or accessing your Cool Moon Designs purchase, we’re happy to help. Visit coolmoondesigns.com or contact us for assistance—we want you creating with confidence 💛

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