Separating zippers disconnect at the bottom and are fastened by putting the pin into the box and then pulling up the slider.

Center front zippers on jackets are separating zippers.

Non-separating zippers are connected at the bottom and are fastened by pulling the slider.

Non-separating zippers can be closed at the top (such as a pocket or backpack zipper) or open at the top (such as a pants fly or pullover zipper).