A system is described to create and transmit a streamable ZIP file container. The streamable ZIP file container contains stream metadata, files, and a central directory. The stream metadata, files, and central directory can be saved in a contiguous stream without any intervening bytes. When the streamable ZIP file container is read by a client device that supports streamable ZIP file containers, the client device can exit the data stream without receiving the central directory. Interruptions during transmission of the ZIP file container can be resumed.