A powerful, intelligent, and user-friendly batch archiving utility powered by ZPAQ. Designed for efficiency, safety, and flexibility.
zpaq • windows • batch-script • compression • archiving
ZST (ZPAQ Smart Toolkit) is a command-line batch tool designed to simplify and enhance the usage of ZPAQ, a high-efficiency journaling archiver. ZST adds an intelligent interface, drag-and-drop support, hardware-aware optimization, and safety features to ensure smooth compression and archiving workflows.
- ✅ Drag-and-drop support for files and folders
- ✅ Smart detection of already-compressed file types (JPG, MP4, etc.)
- ✅ Hardware detection (CPU, threads, RAM)
- ✅ Auto-optimized compression method and thread count
- ✅ Manual override for power users
- ✅ Safe archive creation with overwrite protection
- ✅ Full archive listing and extraction
- ✅ Menu-driven interface with numbered hotkeys
ZST/
├── ZST.bat # Main batch script
├── zpaq.exe # Renamed ZPAQ 64bit binary (GPLv3)
├── LICENSE # MIT license (for ZST)
├── LICENSE.zpaq # GPLv3 license (for ZPAQ)
├── README.md # This file
- Windows 10 or 11
- PowerShell (for system hardware detection)
-
zpaq.exe(ZPAQ binary, renamed from zpaq64.exe)
ZST is a batch file that automates compression using ZPAQ. Because .bat files can run system commands, Windows Defender or SmartScreen might flag it as unsafe.
✅ This tool is open-source and can be inspected before use
🛡 If you're comfortable, you can right-click the .bat file → Properties → Unblock
🔐 Alternatively, view the source code in ZST.bat before running
- Go to: https://github.com/suspicious-noob/ZST/releases/latest
- Download the .zip file under "Assets"
- Extract it somewhere safe (not Program Files)
- Run ZST.bat (double-click or drag a file/folder onto it)
- Drag any file or folder onto
ZST.bat - The script will auto-analyze and recommend compression settings
- Choose whether to proceed, cancel, or archive without compression
Double-click ZST.bat to access the main menu:
[1]Compress file or folder[2]List archive contents[3]Extract full archive[4]Extract a single file[5]Exit
During compression:
- System hardware is detected
- Optimal settings are recommended
- You can override method and thread count
Archive files are saved with a .zpaq extension.
ZST uses system resources heavily for compression. Systems with low RAM or CPUs may experience slowdowns or crashes. The script includes:
- Clear warnings
- Safe default settings
- Overwrite confirmation prompts
Use at your own risk. The author assumes no responsibility for data loss or hardware issues.
This batch script and toolkit are licensed under the MIT License. You are free to use, modify, and distribute with attribution.
This toolkit includes zpaq.exe (renamed from zpaq64.exe), developed by Matt Mahoney, and licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 (GPLv3).
Source and original documentation: http://mattmahoney.net/dc/zpaq.html
- Matt Mahoney for ZPAQ
- Contributors to Batch and PowerShell scripting forums
- Testers and users who helped refine this tool
Feel free to open an issue, fork the project, or submit pull requests to improve ZST. Let's make compression smarter together!
If 70% or more of the files you selected are already compressed formats, ZST will let you skip compression entirely to save time. Efficiency matters!
ZST - Smart Compression. Safe Archiving. Built for Power.