Alex Ruben
How To Download Files from GitHub in 2025 | Save Repositories as ZIP Files
Getting files directly from GitHub is honestly handy for anyone who works with open-source stuff, whether you’re a dev, designer, or just dabbling in some project. Sometimes, you just want a quick ZIP of the whole repo without messing around with Git commands or cloning. But, funny enough, it’s not always obvious how to do it, especially if you’re new to the platform or run into some weird browser hiccups. This walkthrough is all about making that part easier and less frustrating, so you can get what you need without a headache. Expect a straightforward way to snag those files, and maybe a few tips to handle the common quirks along the way.
How to Download Files from GitHub
Open your web browser and head to GitHub
First things first: launch whatever browser you favor (Chrome, Firefox, Edge, whatever). Looks simple, but sometimes you’re in a rush, and if your browser is acting weird, it can cause delays or broken downloads. So, it’s good to start fresh here. Make sure you have a stable internet connection too — no one likes interrupted downloads, especially with large repos.
Navigate to the repository you want
Type the repository’s URL directly in the bar, which should look like https://github.com/username/repository-name. Replace username and repository-name with the right info. On some setups, the URL could be broken if you copy-paste from an email or wiki — worth double-checking if things aren’t loading. After hitting Enter, the repo’s main page should load up, showing all the files and folders.
Find the green Code button
This button lives right above the file list, kinda big and easy to spot. Clicking it drops down a menu with options—you’re after the big “Download ZIP” link here. If you don’t see it, you might be on a private repo or logged out — but mostly, it should be there unless something’s wrong with the page. Clicking Download ZIP kicks off the download, and honestly, it’s almost instant unless your internet blows or the repo is massive.
Save the ZIP file and choose a spot on your PC
When the browser prompts you, pick a folder or desktop to keep the ZIP. Honestly, it’s easy to forget where you put it, especially if you’re juggling a bunch of downloads. So, pick a clear, easy-to-remember place. After it finishes, it’ll be sitting there ready to go.
Extract the ZIP and get to work
Right-click on the downloaded ZIP, and select Extract All. If you use a different archiving tool—7-Zip, WinRAR, whatever—open that and extract from there. Making sure the files go into a folder you can find will save you time later. On some systems, dragging the ZIP to the desktop or a special project folder works just as well. No matter what, once extracted, you’re all set to dive into the code or files.
Extra tips & common hiccups to watch for
- If your download stalls or is corrupt, check your internet connection or try downloading again. Sometimes browsers hiccup, especially if you have extensions that block popups or downloads.
- Make sure the URL is pointing to a public repo—you can’t download as ZIP if it’s private and you’re not logged in, or if your permissions are missing. Log in if needed, and refresh the page.
- If the repo is huge, the download size could be big. For bigger projects, consider installing Git and cloning it directly, which is more efficient if you plan to update often. The command:
git clone https://github.com/username/repository-name.git. Sometimes GitStudio or IDEs also support cloning directly.
Wrap-up and what else might help
Finally, if clicking “Download ZIP” isn’t working because of browser issues or GitHub’s quirks, try a different browser. Or, clear your cache and disable any ad blockers, since those can sometimes block the download button from working. Also, on some networks or firewalled setups, connections to GitHub can be weird or slow — so try on a different network if stuff isn’t behaving.
Summary
- Open your browser and navigate to the repo URL.
- Click Code and choose Download ZIP.
- Save and extract the ZIP file.
- If issues persist, check your permissions, browser, or consider cloning with Git.
Conclusion
This method is usually the fastest way to grab files without fuss. For occasional downloads, it beats cloning or fiddling with Git, especially if you only need a snapshot of the project. Keep in mind that large repos might be better off with a Git clone, but for quick grabs, the ZIP route is solid. Sometimes, the little things—browser settings, permission statuses—can trip this up, so it’s worth trying a different browser or clearing cookies if it doesn’t work the first time.
Hopefully this shaves off a few minutes for someone, because not everyone wants to wrestle with commands every time they want some code from GitHub. Fingers crossed this helps next time you’re in a pinch.