# ZIP File

## Overview

The **Zip File** Data Operation is used to compress files into one compressed file for transmission. The resulting zip file will be compressed and generally smaller and therefore take less time to transmit.

## Use Cases

* Compress a PDF file for transmission
* Combine a couple of Assets into one common file for an archive

## Data Operation Properties

### Files to zip

This is an array of [Assets](../variable-data-types/the-asset-data-type) to be combined into one compressed zip file asset.

### Zip Filename

This is the filename to create in the resulting operation. It can be any expression that evaluates to string.

### Asset Settings

**Scope**

Determines the scope of the download link. This can either be **APP** or **SESSION**. If the generated PDF should be accessible from other user sessions, choose **APP**. Otherwise, if the created PDF is unique per customer, choose **SESSION**.

**Visibility**

Determines the visibility of the download link. This can either be **GLOBAL**or **PRIVATE**. If the generated PDF has sensitive customer information, it should be marked as **PRIVATE**. With **PRIVATE**, the PDF will have an extra layer of access protection. The generated URL will have the necessary credentials to access the file.

**NOTE:** The generated URL for the PDF allows anyone to access the file. The URL should only be shown to the customer that the PDF belongs to.

**Download Url Expiration**

Only appears when **Visibility** is marked **PRIVATE**, as **Global** Assets do not expire.

Determines how long the download link to the file is available. For instance, if **30 Minutes** is given, the download link will no longer work after thirty minutes. **Private** Assets must expire after a maximum of 7 days.

## Run Results

If successful, this data operation returns the [Detailed Asset](../variable-data-types/the-asset-data-type/the-detailed-asset) of the merged new ZIP file. This Detailed Asset will contain detailed information on this newly-created Asset, including the download URL.
