# ZIP File

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

Expects type `list`.

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

### Zip Filename

Expects type `text`.

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.

> 📘 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

Expects type `number`.

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.

\###Hash Type

The hash type selected from the dropdown will automatically generate a hash when files are uploaded to the Asset store.

## 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.
