# What Is Zipping/Unzipping?

Zipper enables users to securely convert assets from external blockchains into Fabric-compatible zAssets (wrapping) and return zAssets back to their original form (unwrapping). This process is simple, efficient, and fully backed 1:1 by the original asset.

#### **Wrapping (Zipping)**

Wrapping transforms assets from external blockchains into Fabric-compatible zAssets.

**How It Works - Summary**

1. **Deposit**: The user deposits their external blockchain asset (e.g., ETH or USDT) into Zipper’s secure on-chain vault.
2. **Minting**: Zipper mints an equivalent amount of zAssets on Fabric (e.g., zETH or zUSDT) and transfers them to the user’s Fabric wallet.
3. **Traceability**: The original asset is stored in a multi-signature vault, and the zAsset is linked to both its Fabric and original chain contract addresses.

**Example**

* The user deposits 10 USDT from Ethereum into Zipper.
* Zipper mints 10 zUSDT on Fabric and sends it to the user’s wallet.

{% hint style="info" %}
include a gif of an asset getting zipped and unzipped
{% endhint %}

***

#### **Unwrapping (Unzipping)**

Unwrapping converts Fabric-compatible zAssets back into their original external blockchain assets.

**How It Works - Summary**

1. **Send zAssets**: The user sends their zAssets (e.g., zETH or zUSDT) to Zipper.
2. **Burning**: Zipper burns the zAssets, removing them from circulation on Fabric.
3. **Withdrawal**: The original asset is released from the vault on the respective external blockchain and sent to the user’s external blockchain wallet.

**Example**

* The user sends 10 zUSDT(Ethereum based) to Zipper.
* Zipper burns the 10 zUSDT and sends 10 USDT back to the user’s Ethereum wallet.


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