Without a doubt, Google Zipper is perhaps one of my favorite surprises from Google. 

Plus, it was super entertaining – there was something so fun about fiddling around with the interactive zipper. 

Moreover, this Google Doodle is popular because of its playful nature of letting users interact with search pages, transforming their regular browsing experience into a fun, engaging session. 

Unfortunately, it does not exist on the search engine anymore. However, it continues to be a memorable experience of how a simple design trick could delight so many of us!

Today, I’m not writing for my usual audience. Rather, this is for everyone who is new to the world of search and has no idea the impact some Google Doodles have left on us. 

As the first generation who grew up with internet accessibility, we were so surprised – and so many of us would spend hours playing with these interactive buttons on Google. 

So, this is an ode to my favorite Google Doodle of all time – Google Zipper. 

Stay tuned!

What Is Google Zipper?

What Is Google Zipper

Google launched the famous Zipper Easter egg in 2012. So, at the time, people could just search ‘Zipper’ on Google search to experience this unusual but fun game on the search result page. 

Initially, the Zipper Easter egg had placed an interactive and working zipper in the middle of the homepage. On 4th April 2012, this interactive Google Doodle first appeared to celebrate Gideon Sundback’s 132nd birthday. 

FYI, Gideon Sundback was a Swedish-American designer who is known for perfecting the functionality of the modern zipper. 

On the left of your home page, a vertical zipper would appear, inviting users to interact – by clicking and dragging, you could easily unzip the web page. 

So, you had to pull the zipper down and split the screen to reveal the background media. 

In this context, here are the primary highlights of the popular Google Zipper game: 

FeatureDescription
Non-intrusiveSearch results could stay entirely functional.
Cross-device supportThe game would run easily on mobile devices and desktops. 
ReversiblePulling the zipper back up would restore the original page.
Fully interactiveUsers could easily drag the zipper down and move it back up again.

Additionally, this small, playful feature would surprise users, showing how any creative web engagement could improve user engagement and enjoyment. 

Why Did Google Zipper Stand Out? Key Features:

Why Did Google Zipper Stand Out Key Features

The small movement of unzipping and zipping makes a user’s daily routine browsing into a playful, engaging experience. 

Moreover, it is an example of how something simple can end in delight and surprise. 

  1. This Google Doodle was entirely interactive – pulling the zipper actually felt responsive and tactile. 
  2. Users could easily drag it down to unzip and then pull it back up like a normal zipper to ‘close’ the web page. 
  3. Also, the zipper worked across both mobile devices and desktops. 

How Did The Google Zipper Used To Function?

In contrast to static effects, Google’s Zipper game used dynamic CSS animations and HTML to develop realistic unzipping movements. 

I loved how the screen would end up splitting smoothly after dragging the zipper. Moreover, unzipping would always reveal a sort of layered background and give way to more depth. 

Also, the motion would respond to dragging gestures in real-time, maintaining a smooth user experience. Plus, search results and links would not get affected, thereby maintaining standard usability integrity. 

So, once activated:

  1. The web page would split into two halves as the user pulled the zipper down. 
  2. Moreover, the background image behind the split was designed to add depth. 
  3. Also, the animation was sort of smooth and could easily synchronize with the user’s dragging motion. 

User Engagement And Interactive Fun:

The Google Zipper game was only one of the many interactive search features Google has launched from time to time. 

Other popular examples include Google Garden Gnomes, Let It Snow, Thanos Snap, Gravity, etc. The purpose behind each of these games was to add an element of fun without interrupting a user’s primary search functionality. 

Also, this playful idea really clicked with people. Moreover, people kept sharing the effect of this doodle on social media, praising the unzipping moment for its polished execution and neat concept. 

No wonder the zipper game became so popular so fast – it is one of Google’s most famous interactive doodles. 

Why Was Google Zipper Discontinued?

So, after only a few years, Google discontinued the Zipper game, like many of Google’s special doodles that seemed to have run their course. 

Even though the Zipper game isn’t active anymore, the doodle continues to be a source of inspiration for interactive designs and creative web animations. 

On that note, here’s a table to highlight why this game no longer exists:

ReasonExplanation
PerformanceEnsuring browsing remained smooth and quick.
Fresh experiencesGoogle is known for launching new, interactive experiences often. 
Web StandardsBeing compatible with new devices and browsers.

Remembering Google Zipper In 2026:

The Google Zipper game stands out amongst other popular Google doodles, thanks to its authentic, playful design. 

Moreover, the game’s ability to blend simplicity with engagement and interactivity makes it memorable even after so many years. 

Although the game is no longer a part of Google Doodles, the concept continues to underscore the importance of adding fun elements to a user’s daily online experiences.

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Barsha Bhattacharya

Barsha is a seasoned digital marketing writer with a focus on SEO, content marketing, and conversion-driven copy. With 8+ years of experience in crafting high-performing content for startups, agencies, and established brands, Barsha brings strategic insight and storytelling together to drive online growth. When not writing, Barsha spends time obsessing over conspiracy theories, the latest Google algorithm changes, and content trends.

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