Unzipping on Android

Extracting an archive (Unzipping) - Android

[Please note, different versions of Android and other installed software may make your screen look different to this guide, however in most cases the facility will be there perhaps under a different menu]

A zipped file is just a folder, or collection of files that have been ‘squeezed’ into one file for ease of transfer or transporting digitally from one place to another.

So how do I access the useable and printable pages then?

We need to ensure that we extract the folder before accessing the printable data otherwise we may find it impossible to open or print

1 - Identify the file you wish to unzip and hold your finger down on it until the ‘tick box’ appears.

Click the box and then ;

2 – Click on the ‘Unzip’ button that has appeared

Let Android unzip the files

Getting Crafty with the files

Once the unzipped folder appears, it’s time to get to the goodies inside.

One thing you will notice is that the initial folder contains some extra inaccessible files; 2 titles ‘autorun’ and 2 titles ‘lua’. These are only included in the download for Windows PC users only. Android cannot run this interface, so we need to dig deeper to find the printable files

OK so firstly open the ‘Autoplay’ folder

Again, there are some folders and files we don’t need here; their only purpose is to fulfil the requirements of Windows PC’s, we are only interested in the ‘Docs’ folder

WooHoo it’s time to get crafty?

The files now on show are the printable elements

All you need do now is click on your desired papers, and they will open in your default Portable Document Format (pdf) reader and print as you normally would.

Depending on your installed pdf reader and Android software you may or may not have access to the thumbnails view.

Please refer to your device manual and/or pdf manufacturer’s instructions on this matter

Once again if you have not used ‘pdf’ files on your device before you will need to select or allow an application to handle this for you.

It is highly likely there is an application installed, but you may wish to visit the Google Play store for a compatible app

The ‘Print’ function will be hidden behind the three dots in the top right corner

PLEASE ensure you have the correct printing software for your printer model, and also remember the printer MUST be on the same WiFi network as your phone for it to receive your instruction.

NB There are software & manufacturers out there that can enable you print whilst on a different network or on 3/4/5G, but you will need to investigate this from the individual manufacturers website(s)

Certain printer manufacturers do offer this as part of their initial software bundles, if this is a feature that would suit you.