---
title: How to Download and Open a Digital Photo ZIP File
description: Open a Van Gogh digital download email, download the ZIP folder, extract the image files, and create a safe backup.
---
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1. [Van Gogh School Photographers](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/?hsLang=en)
2. [Digital Downloads](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/digital-downloads?hsLang=en)
3. [Downloading Files](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/digital-downloads?hsLang=en#downloading-files)
# How to Download and Open a Digital Photo ZIP File
## Download the ZIP folder from the delivery email, extract it, and save the full image files in more than one location.
**Quick answer:** Open the digital-delivery email, select the download link, save the ZIP folder, and extract the image files before viewing, printing, or sharing them.
## Download the files
1. Open the digital-delivery email sent to the checkout email address.
2. Select the download link.
3. Choose a location on the device where you can find the file, such as Downloads or Files.
4. Wait for the ZIP folder to finish downloading before opening it.
5. Extract or uncompress the ZIP folder.
6. Open the extracted folder and confirm that every purchased image is present.
## Why the files arrive in a ZIP folder
A ZIP folder packages one or more image files into a single download. The ZIP process does not remove the image’s pixel dimensions. You must extract the folder before many photo apps, print services, or sharing tools can use the original files correctly.
## Create a backup
- Save a copy to a computer or external drive.
- Save a second copy to a secure cloud-storage account.
- Keep the original file name and avoid repeatedly editing or resaving the only copy.
- Do not rely on a phone’s temporary downloads folder as the only storage location.
## Use the extracted image—not the email preview
The thumbnail displayed inside the email may be compressed for viewing. Download and open the actual image file before evaluating quality or sending it to a printer.
> **Important:** Van Gogh download links are not permanent storage. Download the files before the link expires and keep your own backups.
## Still need help?
Use the [Van Gogh Help Center](https://support.vangoghphoto.com?hsLang=en) to search for an answer or submit a private support ticket. You can also email [info@vangoghphoto.com](mailto:info@vangoghphoto.com) or call **847-382-2282**.
Please include:
- Order number
- Student’s full name and school
- Email used at checkout
- Device being used
- Screenshot of the download or extraction error
- File name or number of files received
For your security, never send a full card number, security code, banking password, or account password.
## Related articles
- [How to Save a Digital Download on iPhone, Android, Windows, or Mac](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/save-digital-download-on-device?hsLang=en)
- [My Digital Download Link Expired or Does Not Work](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/digital-download-link-expired-or-not-working?hsLang=en)
- [Digital Download Resolution, File Size, and Image Quality](https://support.vangoghphoto.com/digital-resolution-file-size-and-quality?hsLang=en)
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