What This Tool Does
This tool reads the metadata recorded in a ZIP file: the compression method, the documented entry sizes, timestamps, the number of entries, and any comments attached to the archive. It presents those stored values in a readable report.
Metadata is read from the archive headers and directory. The report reflects what was written by the tool that created the ZIP, which is useful for diagnosing sender questions such as which program made the archive.
What the Report Shows
- Entry counts and total sizes as recorded.
- Compression method names for the entries.
- Timestamps of the newest and oldest entries.
- Archive comments if present, or a clear note that none exist.
Step by Step
- 1
Upload the ZIP file.
- 2
Click Read Metadata.
- 3
Read the stored properties in the results panel.
Notes on Accuracy
Timer values in ZIP headers can be written by programs with poor precision. If a timestamp looks odd, it is usually how the archive was created rather than an error in the reader, and the report labels metadata as recorded values on purpose.
Troubleshooting
- Comments stored in different encodings may not display; a note explains when that happens.
- Archives created by unusual tools may miss some optional fields; missing fields are shown as not recorded.
- Structure damage blocks metadata reading until the archive is repaired or converted.