GitZip - Smart Compression Tool for All Developers

GitZip is a powerful and flexible VSCode zip extension and archive tool designed to simplify file and folder compression workflows. As a smart zip tool, it's perfect for developers working in Git-based projects. Whether you need to compress a folder, create a release bundle, or archive a project while respecting your .gitignore, GitZip helps you package your code cleanly and efficiently.

Originally inspired by the limitations of existing zip extensions, GitZip extends the standard functionality with developer-centric options, smart Git awareness, and complete structural control.

✨ Key Features

• 🔄 Flexible Compression Modes:

  • Only Content: Zip only the contents of a folder (without the parent folder)
  • With Folder: Include the folder itself in the zip
  • Custom Name: Package into a folder with a custom name

• 📁 Multiple Output Options:

  • Current folder (same directory)
  • Parent folder (one level up)
  • Custom path (specify any location)

• 🧠 Advanced Git Handling Modes:

  • Auto-detects Git projects (.git and .gitignore).
  • Offers three clear handling modes for precise packaging:
    1. Exclude .git & .gitignore: Perfect for clean public releases. Removes Git history but still respects .gitignore rules to exclude unwanted files (like node_modules).
    2. Keep .git & .gitignore: Ideal for clean repository backups. Keeps Git history and the .gitignore file, but still excludes all files listed in .gitignore.
    3. Include All: Creates a full project snapshot, ignoring all .gitignore rules and including every file.

• 📂 Project Structure Preservation:

  • Retains empty directories
  • Maintains accurate folder hierarchy
  • Handles edge cases like special characters and paths

• 🌐 Full Internationalization (i18n):

  • English, Spanish, and more supported
  • Localized UI and notifications

• ⚡ One-Click Extraction:

  • Extract to Folder: Instantly unpacks the entire archive into a new folder named after the zip file.
  • Extract Here: Unpacks all contents directly into the current directory.
  • No need to manually select files first.

• 🚀 Fast Access Options:

  • Context menu on folders
  • Command palette shortcuts
  • Keyboard binding support

• 💬 Clear Output & Feedback:

  • Path to saved archive
  • Compression ratio and file size diff
  • Duration of the operation

📦 Installation

Search for GitZip in the VSCode Marketplace or install manually:

# Build from Source
git clone https://github.com/CodeOfExile/gitzip
cd gitzip
npm install
npx vsce package # This will compile the code and create a .vsix file

Then, go to the VSCode Extensions view, click the ... menu, and select Install from VSIX... to install the generated gitzip-*.vsix file.

🛠 Usage & Configuration

Basic Usage

1. Right-click any folder in the VSCode Explorer.
2. Choose "GitZip: Compress".
3. Select your compression mode and output path.
4. If a .git directory is detected, choose one of the three Git Handling Modes to package your project exactly as you need.

Configurable Options

• Compression Mode: Only contents / With folder / Custom name
• Output Directory: Current / Parent / Custom
• Folder Naming: Rename compressed folder in zip
• Git Handling: Choose how to package .git, .gitignore, and ignored files.

All options are accessible through context menu or command palette.

💡 Who is GitZip For?

This zip tool is built for any developer who needs more control over their compression workflow. It's especially powerful for:

• WordPress Plugin & Theme Developers: Easily package your plugins and themes for the official repository or for clients, automatically excluding development files.
• Frontend & Node.js Developers: Create clean, production-ready bundles of your React, Vue, or Node.js applications, leaving out node_modules and other dev dependencies.
• Game Modders & Developers: Package your game mods or web game builds, ensuring only the necessary assets and scripts are included.
• VSCode Extension Authors: Streamline the process of bundling your extension for the Marketplace.
• Students & Educators: Submit or share clean, lightweight project assignments without bulky dependency folders.
• Anyone Creating Project Archives: If you need to create a zip for distribution, backup, or sharing, GitZip's .gitignore integration ensures you only package what's necessary.

Whether you're delivering a clean project archive, uploading a plugin, or saving a version snapshot, GitZip gives you complete control.

🔑 Keywords

zip, unzip, compress, archive, decompress, zip tool, compression tool, archive tool, git zip, zip git, git archive, .gitignore, ignore files, package, bundle, release, folder zip, zip folder, vscode zip, zip extension

🧪 Development & Contribution

We welcome contributions!

1. Fork the repository
2. Create a feature branch
3. Follow coding standards and submit descriptive pull requests
4. Open an issue to discuss major ideas or features

📄 License

MIT License © 2025 Indie Sewell / CodeOfExile Team https://exilecode.com

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GitZip: Package your code, not your Git history. Designed for all developers.