You need to ship backups, exports or log bundles from your Delphi application as ZIP files. You don't want to ship extra DLLs next to your EXE or fight with a command-line tool. ZipForge is a native VCL ZIP component written in Delphi, so the compression code compiles into your program.
Quick facts
- Current version: 6.97
- Platforms: Windows 95/98/ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, 10 and 11 (32 and 64-bit)
- Development tools: Delphi 4 through Delphi 13 and C++ Builder 4 through C++ Builder 13
- Price: $69 for the commercial edition
- Free use: a Personal edition is free if you are the only user of the project
Key features
Create and read AES-encrypted ZIP files
ZipForge opens and creates archives protected with the AES encryption algorithm, so you can protect archived data without a separate crypto library.
Build archives larger than 4 GB
Zip64 support lets you create ZIP files over 4 GB. Unicode file names are supported too.
Roll back a failed archive update
The built-in transaction system lets you undo changes if an archive update fails. A half-written archive won't replace a good one.
Work straight from streams, no temp files
You can add compressed data directly from streams and extract archived files to streams without creating temporary files. You can also add files from disk or memory, and replace, move or delete files inside an archive.
Self-extracting and multi-volume archives
ZipForge creates and reads self-extracting (SFX) ZIP archives and multi-volume ZIP files.
Find files and track progress
You can search for files inside an archive by mask, show progress indication during long jobs, and store the full path with drive for each file. Full Delphi source code is available.
Who it's for
ZipForge suits Delphi and C++ Builder developers who want ZIP support compiled into their application. It fits you if you need encryption, big archives or safe archive updates, and don't want to depend on external libraries. It is a VCL component, so it is not a tool for end users who just want to zip files by hand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Written in Delphi, with no DLLs to distribute
- Covers a long range of Delphi and C++ Builder versions, including 64-bit targets
- AES, Zip64, Unicode names, SFX and spanning are all included
- Transactions protect archives during updates
- Free Personal edition for single-user projects
Cons
- Windows only
- Personal and Explorer editions of Delphi are not supported
- Public projects and companies must buy the commercial edition
FAQs
Can I use ZipForge for free?
An individual may use the Personal edition in a project for free if he or she is the only user of that project. If the project is public, or you represent a company, you need the commercial edition.
Does it need extra DLLs?
No. It is a native VCL component written in Delphi.
Can it handle files over 4 GB?
Yes. Zip64 support lets you create ZIP files over 4 GB.
Which Delphi versions work?
Delphi 4 through Delphi 13, with 32 and 64-bit targets in newer versions. C++ Builder 4 through C++ Builder 13 is also supported.
Can I roll back a bad update?
Yes. The transaction system lets you roll back changes if an archive update fails.
System requirements
- Operating systems: Windows 95/98/ME, NT, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8/8.1, 10, 11 (32 and 64-bit)
- Development environment: Delphi 4 to 13 or C++ Builder 4 to 13
- Not supported: Personal and Explorer editions of Delphi