🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 159 (from laksa051)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa159.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files","crawl_time":1775469352,"first_indexed_time":1669796550,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,avast!www,\/c-how-to-open-rar-files s443","src_root_hash":"15812019090297420759","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Open RAR Files on Windows, Mac, and Mobile","meta_descriptions":["Discover what a RAR file is, why they’re useful, and how to safely open and extract .RAR files on Windows, Mac, or smartphones."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"Avast Academy\nPerformance\nPerformance Tips\nWhat Is a RAR File and How Do I Open It?\nWritten by\nAnna Wratislav\n|\nUpdated on\n\n        \n            February 20, 2024\nRAR files are used to combine and compress multiple files when sending them together. We’ll show you how to open RAR files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. But first, install a security app like Avast One to protect your device from unknown files and malicious downloads.\nDownload free Avast Security\nGet it for\niOS\n,\nAndroid\n,\nPC\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nPC\n,\nMac\n,\niOS\nDownload Avast Free Antivirus\nGet it for\nAndroid\n,\niOS\n,\nMac\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nMac\n,\nPC\n,\nAndroid\n2025\n3 Stars\nAdvanced+\n2025\nProduct\nof the Year\n2025\nTop Rated\nProduct\nThis Article Contains\nThis Article Contains\nWhat is a RAR file?\nHow to open a RAR file?\nWhat are RAR files used for?\nHow to create a RAR file\nHow to convert a RAR file\nAre RAR files safe to use?\nUnlock ultimate protection with Avast\nYou Might Also Like...\nWhat is a RAR file?\nA RAR file contains one or more files that have been compressed into a smaller file using WinRAR software. The .rar file extension name stands for\nR\noshal\nA\nrchive, meaning a high-quality compressed file (also known as an archive) that can be encrypted and password protected.\nActing as a container for compressed data, RAR files reduce the overall size of files being shared, facilitating quicker data transfers, and conserving storage space. Unlike some other data compression methods, because .rar files are fully compatible with encryption-enabled password protection, they're a popular format that balances efficiency with data security.\nHow to open a RAR file?\nTo open files ending in .rar you’ll probably need a special RAR file opener for extracting the data. Windows 11 now comes with native RAR support, but on other platforms and operating systems, you’ll need third-party software. If you’ve ever downloaded an app to unpack a ZIP file, the same software may be able to unzip RAR files too.\nHere’s an overview of the most commonly used applications for opening RAR files:\nWinZip\nWinZip is a paid app for RAR and ZIP file management available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Download it from\nWinZip\n, the App Store, or Google Play.\nWinRAR\nWinRAR is a paid app for extracting and creating RAR files on Windows. The app comes with a free trial, and you can download it from\nWinRAR\n.\n7-Zip\n7-Zip is a free, open-source app with a high compression ratio and its own archive format called 7z. It's available for Windows PCs and downloadable from\n7-Zip\n.\niZip\niZip is a free app for ZIP and RAR file management that's available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC. Download it from the App Store or\niZip\n.\nThe Unarchiver\nThe Unarchiver is a free app for unpacking archived files on Mac. Download it from the App Store or\nThe Unarchiver\n.\nPeaZip\nPeaZip is a free RAR extractor that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and supports both pre-RAR5 .rar files and newer formats. Download it directly from\nPeaZip\n.\nBefore you download any software or open any files, make sure your device is well-guarded against any threats they may be harboring. Shielded by\nAvast One’s\nmultiple layers of security, you’re not just getting award-winning antivirus, but also advanced anti-hacking protection, real-time alerts to fake websites and dangerous attachments, and much more.\nDownload free Avast Security\nGet it for\niOS\n,\nAndroid\n,\nPC\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nPC\n,\nMac\n,\niOS\nDownload Avast Free Antivirus\nGet it for\nAndroid\n,\niOS\n,\nMac\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nMac\n,\nPC\n,\nAndroid\nHow to open a RAR file on Windows\nTo open a RAR file on your PC, use an app like\nWinRAR\nthat’s compatible with\nWindows 11, 10, 8,\nand\n7\n, and can be downloaded and used for free during a trial period. WinRAR was created by the same developers who came up with the .rar file format, and you can also use it to\ncreate RAR files\n. The guidance below is specific to WinRAR, but the steps will be similar for any Windows .rar file extractor.\nHere’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinRAR:\nDownload and install the\n \nWinRAR\n \napp.\nRight-click the RAR file you want to open.\nSelect\n \nOpen with WinRAR\n.\nClick\n \nExtract To\n.\nThen select a destination folder for the unpacked files.\nYour RAR file is now open, and all the files are available in the destination folder you selected. Or, you can open the files directly from the WinRAR window.\nHow to open a RAR file on Mac\nWe recommend\nThe Unarchiver\nas a free app you can download from the App Store to open .rar formatted files on Mac. But there are several other free RAR openers available for Mac, and the process for installation, setup, and extractions should be very similar. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using The Unarchiver:\nDownload \nthe Unarchiver\n directly or find it on the App Store.\nLaunch the app and open the\nPreferences\nmenu.\nClick on the\nArchive Formats\ntab.\nEnsure there’s a checkmark next to\nRAR Archive\n.\nClick the\nExtraction\ntab\nSelect where you want the extracted folder to be saved.\nFind the .rar formatted file and right-click it.\nSelect\nOpen With\n>\nThe Unarchiver\n.\nIf you already selected a default destination, skip to the last step.\nSelect a destination folder for the unpacked files.\nFinally, click\nExtract\n.\nYour RAR file has now been unpackaged. The files it contained are available in the destination folder you selected.\nHow to open a RAR file on iPhone\nYou can open RAR files on iPhones too — the only issue is that many of the most popular file extractors are not compatible with iOS. Fortunately,\niZip\nis available for download from the App Store, which means you can open .rar formatted files on iPhone for free. There are other options available, but they may require a paid subscription, or only offer a free trial.\nHere’s how to unpack a RAR file using iZip:\nFind iZip on the App Store and tap\nGet\n.\nAlternatively, download\niZip\ndirectly.\nFind the RAR file on your iPhone.\nTap the\niOS share\nicon.\nSelect\niZip\nfrom the list of available apps.\nSelect OK when prompted.\niZip will now get to work extracting the files.\nLarge quantities of compressed data may take a while to extract.\nOnce your RAR file is open, the files it contains will be available in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file.\nHow to open a RAR file on Android\nWinZip\nis a free app you can download from Google Play to open .rar formatted files on Android. But beware that while the app itself is free to download, it requires a paid subscription to use. However, it does come with a free trial option, so you can use it to extract RAR files you need right now, and then decide if you want to keep the premium version.\nHere’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinZip:\nDownload\nWinZip\ndirectly from their website.\nOr you can get it from the Google Play store.\nLaunch the app by tapping the\nWinZip\nicon on your home screen.\nTap\nStart\non the WinZip welcome screen.\nSelect the free trial option.\nNow you’re ready to find the RAR file you want to open.\nTap the\nthree-dots icon\nnext to the RAR file.\nSelect\nUnzip to\nfrom the menu.\nChoose a destination folder for the extracted files.\nThen tap\nUnzip here\n.\nOnce your RAR file is open, you can find the files it contained in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file.\nWhat are RAR files used for?\nRAR files are used to transfer or store huge files, like when you\ndownload your data from Google\nor\nFacebook\n, or send gigabytes of data as image, audio, or video files. Compressing the files into a single RAR file lets you speed up transfer and download times.\nSometimes, file size limitations make a single file inconvenient for storing on a drive or sending in an email. In this situation, you can create a multi-volume archive by splitting your compressed data into multiple RAR files, known as “volumes.”\nEach volume is numbered in the file name (volname.part001.rar, volname.part002.rar). Then, when you uncompress your files, you need to have all volumes in the same location and extract them in chronological order.\nRegardless of what you use RAR files for, ensure the important data contained within them is clear of malicious threats.\nAvast One\ncan help stop shady downloads from infected email attachments or dangerous websites. So whether you transfer your important files in individual PDFs or compressed files like ZIPs or RARs, get Avast One to help your PC stay malware-free.\nDownload free Avast Security\nGet it for\niOS\n,\nAndroid\n,\nPC\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nPC\n,\nMac\n,\niOS\nDownload Avast Free Antivirus\nGet it for\nAndroid\n,\niOS\n,\nMac\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nMac\n,\nPC\n,\nAndroid\nRAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference?\nThe biggest difference between RAR and ZIP is that .zip formatted files are more widely used because the file format is flexible and can work with any operating system. Although both file types allow you to compress large amounts of data, here are some of the other differences between how the RAR and ZIP formats compress files:\nCompression\nRAR uses a higher data compression ratio than ZIP. That means RAR creates a smaller file size than ZIP. It doesn’t take as long to upload or download your RAR file, but it’s slower than compressing the same data using ZIP.\nEncryption\nBoth file formats support password protection, but they use different\nencryption methods\n. RAR uses AES-128 encryption, which is more sophisticated, difficult to crack, and generally superior to the ZIP 2.0 encryption algorithm.\nRecovery\nLike other file types, RAR and ZIP can get corrupted, making the content they contain inaccessible. If this occurs, you can repair the damage using RAR repair software, which allows you to reconstruct damaged data.\nSoftware\nMost operating systems have built-in features for opening ZIP files, and there are many free apps available for creating ZIPs. Creating and opening RAR files, by contrast, usually requires extra — and often paid — software.\nHow to create a RAR file\nAlthough the latest versions of Windows 11 support RAR extraction, it’s still not possible to create a RAR file without third-party software. But the good news is that most of the tools available for extracting .rar files are also able to create them, so there’s probably no need to download yet another app.\nThe easiest way to create a RAR file on Windows is with the WinRAR application. Here’s how to do it:\nOpen\nWinRAR\n.\nUse the\ndrop-down menu\nto select the folder with the files you want to compress into a RAR file. Select the individual files and folders you want to include in the RAR file (hold down the \nCtrl\n key on your keyboard to select multiple files).\nClick \nAdd\n. You can also edit the file name for the new RAR file. Check that the \nArchive format\n is set to \nRAR\n. Here, you can also adjust compression level, volume size, and other archiving parameters. Click \nOK\n to create the new RAR file.\nWait while the RAR file is created. To minimize the WinRAR window during this process, click \nBackground\n.\nOnce the file has been created, you’ll see the new RAR file selected in the WinRAR window. Your RAR file is automatically saved to the same folder as the original files.\nAnd that’s how you make a RAR file! If file compression is your main goal, you might also consider creating a ZIP file, which gives you similar benefits.\nHow to convert a RAR file\nSometimes the simplest compression option is to convert a RAR file into a ZIP. This helps make it more accessible for people you need to share it with because they’ll probably be able to open .zip files using their operating system’s built-in tool, or a third-party unzipper they already have installed. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip:\nRight-click the RAR file you want to convert and select\nOpen with\n>\nWinZip\n.\nClick the down arrow next to\nUnzip to\nand select the folder location where you want to save the contents. Then click\nUnzip\nto start unpackaging the original .rar files.\nThen, click the\nFrom PC or Cloud\nicon on the WinZip top menu ribbon, and drag and drop all the extracted files into the WinZip window.\nIn the menu, select\nFile\n>\nSave As\n. Choose the folder location where you want to save the new ZIP file and click\nSave\n.\nAnd that’s it — your RAR file has now been converted to a ZIP file.\nAre RAR files safe to use?\nRAR files are usually safe to use. But just like regular files, compressed files (RAR or ZIP) can also contain\nviruses\nor\nmalware\n. However, any virus compressed in a RAR file can’t harm your device until you extract it. The recommended way to keep your device safe is to use the\nbest antivirus software\nto make sure your computer scans files to identify threats before you extract them.\nBut RAR files themselves are very secure — quite a lot more so than many other file compression methods. That’s because they offer encryption-enabled password protection using a complex encryption protocol. However, if privacy is your top concern, you’re better off going with\n7-Zip,\nwhich uses the same bank-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm offered by the strongest\nVPNs\n.\nHow to password protect a RAR file?\nIf you want to protect your files from falling into the wrong hands, then\nencrypting your RAR file with a password\ncan help. If you\ncreate a strong password\n, prying eyes won’t even be able to see the names of the files within your RAR archive. Not only does it make your data much less susceptible to interception by\nhackers\n, but it also prevents unauthorized access via the recipient’s device.\nHere’s how to password protect a RAR file using WinRAR on Windows:\nAdd your files to a new RAR archive by following\nsteps 1\nand\n2\nin our\nhow to create a RAR file instructions\nabove.\nClick the\nAdd\nicon in the top-left corner of the screen.\nAfter naming the new RAR file, click\nSet password\n.\nEnter a password for the file, then re-enter the password to confirm it.\nCheck the\nEncrypt file names\nbox, then click\nOK\n.\nClick\nOK\nto create your RAR file, which will be password-protected.\nUnlock ultimate protection with Avast\nNo matter where you want to create, manage, or download RAR files, you need to shield yourself from cyber threats they might be hiding. With comprehensive file scanning and malware detection,\nAvast One\nmakes it easy to create and extract RAR files on any device.\nAnd thanks to additional features including a firewall, password protection, and an integrated VPN, you can keep hackers off your device and encrypt all the data you send and receive online for maximum privacy and security. Install Avast One today to help keep your files private and your PC, laptop, or phone virus-free.\nDownload free Avast Security\nGet it for\niOS\n,\nAndroid\n,\nPC\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nPC\n,\nMac\n,\niOS\nDownload Avast Free Antivirus\nGet it for\nAndroid\n,\niOS\n,\nMac\nInstall free Avast Mobile Security\nGet it for\nMac\n,\nPC\n,\nAndroid\nYou Might Also Like...\n1\/8\nWhat Is VPN Split Tunneling?\nVPN Kill Switch: What It Is and Why It Matters\nGet free virus and malware protection for Mac with Avast Security\nFree download\nGet free virus and malware protection for Android with Avast Mobile Security\nAvast\nMobile Security\nFree install\nGet free virus and malware protection for PC with Avast Free Antivirus\nFree download\nGet free threat protection for your iPhone with Avast Mobile Security\nAvast\nMobile Security\nFree install\n2025\nTop Rated\nProduct\n2025\n3 Stars\nAdvanced+\nGet free virus and malware protection for Mac with Avast Security\nFree download\n2025\nTop Rated\nProduct\n2025\n3 Stars\nAdvanced+\nGet free virus and malware protection for Android with Avast Mobile Security\nFree install\n2025\nTop Rated\nProduct\n2025\n3 Stars\nAdvanced+\nGet free virus and malware protection for PC with Avast Free Antivirus\nFree download\n2025\nTop Rated\nProduct\n2025\n3 Stars\nAdvanced+\nGet free threat protection for your iPhone with Avast Mobile Security\nFree install","attrs_markdown":"92499377744\n\n[academy](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-academy)\n\nClose\n\n- [For home](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/index) For home Products for PC and mobile phone protection\n- [For business](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/business) For business Protect your business with Avast\n- [For partners](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/mno) For partners Partner with Avast and boost your business\n\n- [About us](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/about) About us Carriers, investors, media, contact\n- Blogs Academy, Blog, Decoded, Forum\n- Search\n- [English]()\n\n- Blogs\n- [Avast Blog Read about recent news from the security world](https:\/\/blog.avast.com\/)\n- [Avast Academy Best point of reference about cyber attacks](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-academy)\n- [Avast Decoded In-depth technical articles regarding security threats](https:\/\/decoded.avast.io\/)\n- [Avast Forum Discuss with the community](https:\/\/forum.avast.com\/)\n\n- Select region\n- - 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We’ll show you how to open RAR files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. But first, install a security app like Avast One to protect your device from unknown files and malicious downloads.\n\n[Download free Avast Security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE)\n\nGet it for [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\nGet it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\n[Download Avast Free Antivirus](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY)\n\nGet it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\nGet it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\n![award\\_av\\_comparatives\\_advanced\\_2025](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/academy_new_awards_2025\/award_48487_3032117_stars3.png)\n\n2025  \n**3 Stars Advanced+**\n\n![av\\_lab\\_2025](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/academy_new_awards_2025\/Product-of-the-Year-Certificate-2025%20\\(1\\).svg)\n\n2025  \n**Product of the Year**\n\n![av\\_test\\_top\\_product\\_2025](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/academy_new_awards_2025\/avtest_certified_homeuser_2025-02.png)\n\n2025  \n**Top Rated Product**\n\n![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/Avast\/Academy\/assets\/i\/helpers\/avast-dark.svg)\n\n![Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg?width=1360&name=Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg)\n\nThis Article Contains\n\nThis Article Contains\n\n- [What is a RAR file?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1)\n- [How to open a RAR file?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2)\n- [What are RAR files used for?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3)\n- [How to create a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4)\n- [How to convert a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5)\n- [Are RAR files safe to use?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6)\n- [Unlock ultimate protection with Avast](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-7)\n- [You Might Also Like...](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-8)\n## What is a RAR file?\nA RAR file contains one or more files that have been compressed into a smaller file using WinRAR software. The .rar file extension name stands for **R**oshal **A**rchive, meaning a high-quality compressed file (also known as an archive) that can be encrypted and password protected.\n\nActing as a container for compressed data, RAR files reduce the overall size of files being shared, facilitating quicker data transfers, and conserving storage space. Unlike some other data compression methods, because .rar files are fully compatible with encryption-enabled password protection, they're a popular format that balances efficiency with data security.\n## How to open a RAR file?\nTo open files ending in .rar you’ll probably need a special RAR file opener for extracting the data. Windows 11 now comes with native RAR support, but on other platforms and operating systems, you’ll need third-party software. If you’ve ever downloaded an app to unpack a ZIP file, the same software may be able to unzip RAR files too.\n\nHere’s an overview of the most commonly used applications for opening RAR files:\n\nWinZip\n\n######\nWinZip is a paid app for RAR and ZIP file management available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Download it from [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/), the App Store, or Google Play.\n\nWinRAR\n\n######\nWinRAR is a paid app for extracting and creating RAR files on Windows. The app comes with a free trial, and you can download it from [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/).\n\n7-Zip\n\n######\n7-Zip is a free, open-source app with a high compression ratio and its own archive format called 7z. It's available for Windows PCs and downloadable from [7-Zip](https:\/\/www.7-zip.org\/).\n\niZip\n\n######\niZip is a free app for ZIP and RAR file management that's available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC. Download it from the App Store or [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/).\n\nThe Unarchiver\n\n######\nThe Unarchiver is a free app for unpacking archived files on Mac. Download it from the App Store or [The Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/).\n\nPeaZip\n\n######\nPeaZip is a free RAR extractor that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and supports both pre-RAR5 .rar files and newer formats. Download it directly from [PeaZip](https:\/\/peazip.github.io\/).\n\nBefore you download any software or open any files, make sure your device is well-guarded against any threats they may be harboring. Shielded by [Avast One’s](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/avast-one) multiple layers of security, you’re not just getting award-winning antivirus, but also advanced anti-hacking protection, real-time alerts to fake websites and dangerous attachments, and much more.\n\n[Download free Avast Security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE)\n\nGet it for [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\nGet it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\n[Download Avast Free Antivirus](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY)\n\nGet it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\nGet it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\n### How to open a RAR file on Windows\nTo open a RAR file on your PC, use an app like **WinRAR** that’s compatible with **Windows 11, 10, 8,** and **7**, and can be downloaded and used for free during a trial period. WinRAR was created by the same developers who came up with the .rar file format, and you can also use it to [create RAR files](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file). The guidance below is specific to WinRAR, but the steps will be similar for any Windows .rar file extractor.\n\nHere’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinRAR:\n\n1. Download and install the [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/) app.\n2. Right-click the RAR file you want to open.\n3. Select **Open with WinRAR**.\n\n![Opening a .rar file on a Windows PC with WinRAR.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-01.jpg)\n\n1. Click **Extract To**.\n2. Then select a destination folder for the unpacked files.\n\nYour RAR file is now open, and all the files are available in the destination folder you selected. Or, you can open the files directly from the WinRAR window.\n\n![Extracting files from a .rar archive with WinRAR.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-02.jpg)\n\n### How to open a RAR file on Mac\nWe recommend **The Unarchiver** as a free app you can download from the App Store to open .rar formatted files on Mac. But there are several other free RAR openers available for Mac, and the process for installation, setup, and extractions should be very similar. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using The Unarchiver:\n\n1. Download [the Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/) directly or find it on the App Store.\n2. Launch the app and open the **Preferences** menu.\n3. Click on the **Archive Formats** tab.\n4. Ensure there’s a checkmark next to **RAR Archive**.\n\n![Configuring The Unarchiver to extract .rar files on a Mac computer.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-03.jpg)\n\n1. Click the **Extraction** tab\n2. Select where you want the extracted folder to be saved.\n3. Find the .rar formatted file and right-click it.\n4. Select **Open With** \\> **The Unarchiver**.\n\n![Selecting a destination folder for extracted RAR files on Mac with The Unarchiver tool.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-04.jpg)\n\n1. If you already selected a default destination, skip to the last step.\n2. Select a destination folder for the unpacked files.\n3. Finally, click **Extract**.\n\nYour RAR file has now been unpackaged. The files it contained are available in the destination folder you selected.\n\n![Extracting a .rar file on Mac with The Unarchiver too.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-05.jpg)\n\n### How to open a RAR file on iPhone\nYou can open RAR files on iPhones too — the only issue is that many of the most popular file extractors are not compatible with iOS. Fortunately, **iZip** is available for download from the App Store, which means you can open .rar formatted files on iPhone for free. There are other options available, but they may require a paid subscription, or only offer a free trial.\n\nHere’s how to unpack a RAR file using iZip:\n\n1. Find iZip on the App Store and tap **Get**.\n2. Alternatively, download [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/) directly.\n3. Find the RAR file on your iPhone.\n4. Tap the **iOS share** icon.\n\n![Searching for iZip in the App Store on an iPhone, and preparing to open it via the iOS share icon.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-06.jpg)\n\n1. Select **iZip** from the list of available apps.\n2. Select OK when prompted.\n3. iZip will now get to work extracting the files.\n4. Large quantities of compressed data may take a while to extract.\n\nOnce your RAR file is open, the files it contains will be available in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file.\n\n![Selecting iZip to open a .rar file on iOS.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-07.jpg)\n\n### How to open a RAR file on Android\n**WinZip** is a free app you can download from Google Play to open .rar formatted files on Android. But beware that while the app itself is free to download, it requires a paid subscription to use. However, it does come with a free trial option, so you can use it to extract RAR files you need right now, and then decide if you want to keep the premium version.\n\nHere’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinZip:\n\n1. Download [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/) directly from their website.\n2. Or you can get it from the Google Play store.\n3. Launch the app by tapping the **WinZip** icon on your home screen.\n\n![Downloading and launching the WinZip app on an Android phone.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-08.jpg)\n\n1. Tap **Start** on the WinZip welcome screen.\n2. Select the free trial option.\n3. Now you’re ready to find the RAR file you want to open.\n\n![Starting a free trial on WinZip for Android.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-09.jpg)\n\n1. Tap the **three-dots icon** next to the RAR file.\n2. Select **Unzip to** from the menu.\n3. Choose a destination folder for the extracted files.\n4. Then tap **Unzip here**.\n\nOnce your RAR file is open, you can find the files it contained in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file.\n\n![Selecting a RAR file to unzip as well as a destination folder for the extracted files.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-10.jpg)\n## What are RAR files used for?\nRAR files are used to transfer or store huge files, like when you [download your data from Google](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-download-google-data) or [Facebook](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-download-your-facebook-data), or send gigabytes of data as image, audio, or video files. Compressing the files into a single RAR file lets you speed up transfer and download times.\n\nSometimes, file size limitations make a single file inconvenient for storing on a drive or sending in an email. In this situation, you can create a multi-volume archive by splitting your compressed data into multiple RAR files, known as “volumes.”\n\nEach volume is numbered in the file name (volname.part001.rar, volname.part002.rar). Then, when you uncompress your files, you need to have all volumes in the same location and extract them in chronological order.\n\nRegardless of what you use RAR files for, ensure the important data contained within them is clear of malicious threats. [Avast One](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/avast-one) can help stop shady downloads from infected email attachments or dangerous websites. So whether you transfer your important files in individual PDFs or compressed files like ZIPs or RARs, get Avast One to help your PC stay malware-free.\n\n[Download free Avast Security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE)\n\nGet it for [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\nGet it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\n[Download Avast Free Antivirus](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY)\n\nGet it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\nGet it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\n### RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference?\nThe biggest difference between RAR and ZIP is that .zip formatted files are more widely used because the file format is flexible and can work with any operating system. Although both file types allow you to compress large amounts of data, here are some of the other differences between how the RAR and ZIP formats compress files:\n\nCompression\n\n######\nRAR uses a higher data compression ratio than ZIP. That means RAR creates a smaller file size than ZIP. It doesn’t take as long to upload or download your RAR file, but it’s slower than compressing the same data using ZIP.\n\nEncryption\n\n######\nBoth file formats support password protection, but they use different [encryption methods](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-encryption). RAR uses AES-128 encryption, which is more sophisticated, difficult to crack, and generally superior to the ZIP 2.0 encryption algorithm.\n\nRecovery\n\n######\nLike other file types, RAR and ZIP can get corrupted, making the content they contain inaccessible. If this occurs, you can repair the damage using RAR repair software, which allows you to reconstruct damaged data.\n\nSoftware\n\n######\nMost operating systems have built-in features for opening ZIP files, and there are many free apps available for creating ZIPs. Creating and opening RAR files, by contrast, usually requires extra — and often paid — software.\n## How to create a RAR file\nAlthough the latest versions of Windows 11 support RAR extraction, it’s still not possible to create a RAR file without third-party software. But the good news is that most of the tools available for extracting .rar files are also able to create them, so there’s probably no need to download yet another app.\n\nThe easiest way to create a RAR file on Windows is with the WinRAR application. Here’s how to do it:\n\n1. Open **WinRAR**.\n2. Use the **drop-down menu** to select the folder with the files you want to compress into a RAR file. Select the individual files and folders you want to include in the RAR file (hold down the **Ctrl** key on your keyboard to select multiple files).\n\n![An open WinRar window with files selected ready to be compressed to .rar format.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-11.jpg)\n\n1. Click **Add**. You can also edit the file name for the new RAR file. Check that the **Archive format** is set to **RAR**. Here, you can also adjust compression level, volume size, and other archiving parameters. Click **OK** to create the new RAR file.\n2. Wait while the RAR file is created. To minimize the WinRAR window during this process, click **Background**.\n\n![An open WinRAR window with the Add button highlighted and a second archive name and parameters window overlaid.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-12.jpg)\n\n1. Once the file has been created, you’ll see the new RAR file selected in the WinRAR window. Your RAR file is automatically saved to the same folder as the original files.\n   And that’s how you make a RAR file! If file compression is your main goal, you might also consider creating a ZIP file, which gives you similar benefits.\n\n![An open WinRAR window with a newly created .rar file highlighted.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-13.jpg)\n## How to convert a RAR file\nSometimes the simplest compression option is to convert a RAR file into a ZIP. This helps make it more accessible for people you need to share it with because they’ll probably be able to open .zip files using their operating system’s built-in tool, or a third-party unzipper they already have installed. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip:\n\n1. Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select **Open with** \\> **WinZip**.\n2. Click the down arrow next to **Unzip to** and select the folder location where you want to save the contents. Then click **Unzip** to start unpackaging the original .rar files.\n\n![An open WinZip window with the down arrow highlighted in the Actions menu on the right side.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-14.jpg)\n\n1. Then, click the **From PC or Cloud** icon on the WinZip top menu ribbon, and drag and drop all the extracted files into the WinZip window.\n2. In the menu, select **File** \\> **Save As**. Choose the folder location where you want to save the new ZIP file and click **Save**.\n   And that’s it — your RAR file has now been converted to a ZIP file.\n\n![A Finder window with files selected and an arrow pointing from the Finder window to an open WinZip window.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-15.jpg)\n## Are RAR files safe to use?\nRAR files are usually safe to use. But just like regular files, compressed files (RAR or ZIP) can also contain [viruses](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-computer-virus) or [malware](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-malware). However, any virus compressed in a RAR file can’t harm your device until you extract it. The recommended way to keep your device safe is to use the [best antivirus software](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-best-free-antivirus-software) to make sure your computer scans files to identify threats before you extract them.\n\nBut RAR files themselves are very secure — quite a lot more so than many other file compression methods. That’s because they offer encryption-enabled password protection using a complex encryption protocol. However, if privacy is your top concern, you’re better off going with [7-Zip,](https:\/\/www.7-zip.org\/) which uses the same bank-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm offered by the strongest [VPNs](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-what-is-a-vpn).\n\n### How to password protect a RAR file?\nIf you want to protect your files from falling into the wrong hands, then [encrypting your RAR file with a password](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-password-protect-file-folder-windows) can help. If you [create a strong password](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-strong-password-ideas), prying eyes won’t even be able to see the names of the files within your RAR archive. Not only does it make your data much less susceptible to interception by [hackers](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-hacker), but it also prevents unauthorized access via the recipient’s device.\n\nHere’s how to password protect a RAR file using WinRAR on Windows:\n\n1. Add your files to a new RAR archive by following **steps 1** and **2** in our [how to create a RAR file instructions](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file) above.\n2. Click the **Add** icon in the top-left corner of the screen.\n3. After naming the new RAR file, click **Set password**.\n\n![An open WinRAR Archive name and parameters window with Set password selected.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-16.jpg)\n\n1. Enter a password for the file, then re-enter the password to confirm it.\n2. Check the **Encrypt file names** box, then click **OK**.\n3. Click **OK** to create your RAR file, which will be password-protected.\n\n![ A WinRAR window for creating a password with a check box to encrypt file names and the OK button highlighted.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-17.jpg)\n## Unlock ultimate protection with Avast\nNo matter where you want to create, manage, or download RAR files, you need to shield yourself from cyber threats they might be hiding. With comprehensive file scanning and malware detection, [Avast One](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/avast-one) makes it easy to create and extract RAR files on any device.\n\n![A screenshot of Avast One showing the Scan Center and other device protection features.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-18.jpg?width=700&name=img-18.jpg)\n\nAnd thanks to additional features including a firewall, password protection, and an integrated VPN, you can keep hackers off your device and encrypt all the data you send and receive online for maximum privacy and security. Install Avast One today to help keep your files private and your PC, laptop, or phone virus-free.\n\n[Download free Avast Security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE)\n\nGet it for [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\nGet it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\n[Download Avast Free Antivirus](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY)\n\nGet it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac)\n\n[Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx)\n\nGet it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\n## You Might Also Like...\n1\/8\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/what_is_vpn_split_tunneling_academy\/academy-what-is-vpn-split-tunneling-thumb.jpg) What Is VPN Split Tunneling?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-what-is-vpn-split-tunneling)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/vpn_kill_switch_what_it_is_and_why_it_matters_academy\/academy-vpn-kill-switch-thumb.jpg) VPN Kill Switch: What It Is and Why It Matters](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-vpn-kill-switch)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/is_mercari_legit_a_guide_to_safe_shopping_and_avoiding_scams_academy\/academy-is-mercari-legit-thumb.jpg) Is Mercari legit? A guide to safe shopping and avoiding scams](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-is-mercari-legit)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/is_bluestacks_safe_academy\/academy-is-bluestacks-safe-thumb.jpg) Is BlueStacks safe?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-is-bluestacks-safe)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/credential_stuffing_what_it_is_and_how_to_prevent_it_academy\/academy-credential-stuffing-thumb.jpg) Credential Stuffing: What It Is and How To Prevent It](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-credential-stuffing)\n\n[![A Nigerian prince wearing a gold crown and surrounded by coins.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/what_is_the_nigerian_prince_scam_academy\/academy-nigerian-prince-scam-thumb.jpg) What is the Nigerian Prince scam?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-nigerian-prince-scam)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/is_wetransfer_safe_academy\/is-wetransfer-safe-thumb.jpg) Is WeTransfer Safe?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-is-wetransfer-safe)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/what_is_a_dictionary_attack_academy\/academy-dictionary-attack-thumb.jpg) What is a dictionary attack?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-dictionary-attack)\n\nGet free virus and malware protection for Mac with Avast Security\n\n[Free download](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE)\n\nGet free virus and malware protection for Android with Avast Mobile Security\n\nAvast  \nMobile Security\n\n[Free install](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy)\n\nGet free virus and malware protection for PC with Avast Free Antivirus\n\n[Free download](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY)\n\nGet free threat protection for your iPhone with Avast Mobile Security\n\nAvast  \nMobile Security\n\n[Free 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All rights reserved.\n\n- [Privacy policy](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/en-ww\/privacy-policy)\n- [Legal](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/en-ww\/legal)\n- [Report vulnerability](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/coordinated-vulnerability-disclosure)\n- [Contact security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/bug-bounty)\n- [Modern Slavery Statement](https:\/\/static3.avast.com\/20001369\/web\/o\/legal\/2020-2021-ModernSlaveryStatement.pdf)\n- [Do not sell my info](https:\/\/press.avast.com\/privacy-listing\/en\/do-not-sell)\n- [Cookie Settings](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files)","attrs_readable_markdown":"[Avast Academy](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-academy)     [Performance](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-category-performance)      [Performance Tips](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-topic-performance-tips)     What Is a RAR File and How Do I Open It?\n\nWritten by Anna Wratislav \\|  \n Updated on February 20, 2024 RAR files are used to combine and compress multiple files when sending them together. We’ll show you how to open RAR files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. But first, install a security app like Avast One to protect your device from unknown files and malicious downloads. [Download free Avast Security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) ![award\\_av\\_comparatives\\_advanced\\_2025](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/academy_new_awards_2025\/award_48487_3032117_stars3.png) 2025  \n**3 Stars Advanced+** ![av\\_lab\\_2025](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/academy_new_awards_2025\/Product-of-the-Year-Certificate-2025%20\\(1\\).svg) 2025  \n**Product of the Year** ![av\\_test\\_top\\_product\\_2025](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/academy_new_awards_2025\/avtest_certified_homeuser_2025-02.png) 2025  \n**Top Rated Product** ![](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/Avast\/Academy\/assets\/i\/helpers\/avast-dark.svg) ![Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg?width=1360&name=Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg) This Article Contains This Article Contains [What is a RAR file?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1) [How to open a RAR file?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2) [What are RAR files used for?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3) [How to create a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4) [How to convert a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5) [Are RAR files safe to use?](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6) [Unlock ultimate protection with Avast](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-7) [You Might Also Like...](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-8) What is a RAR file? A RAR file contains one or more files that have been compressed into a smaller file using WinRAR software. The .rar file extension name stands for **R**oshal **A**rchive, meaning a high-quality compressed file (also known as an archive) that can be encrypted and password protected. Acting as a container for compressed data, RAR files reduce the overall size of files being shared, facilitating quicker data transfers, and conserving storage space. Unlike some other data compression methods, because .rar files are fully compatible with encryption-enabled password protection, they're a popular format that balances efficiency with data security. How to open a RAR file? To open files ending in .rar you’ll probably need a special RAR file opener for extracting the data. Windows 11 now comes with native RAR support, but on other platforms and operating systems, you’ll need third-party software. If you’ve ever downloaded an app to unpack a ZIP file, the same software may be able to unzip RAR files too. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used applications for opening RAR files: WinZip WinZip is a paid app for RAR and ZIP file management available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Download it from [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/), the App Store, or Google Play. WinRAR WinRAR is a paid app for extracting and creating RAR files on Windows. The app comes with a free trial, and you can download it from [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/). 7-Zip 7-Zip is a free, open-source app with a high compression ratio and its own archive format called 7z. It's available for Windows PCs and downloadable from [7-Zip](https:\/\/www.7-zip.org\/). iZip iZip is a free app for ZIP and RAR file management that's available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC. Download it from the App Store or [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/). The Unarchiver The Unarchiver is a free app for unpacking archived files on Mac. Download it from the App Store or [The Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/). PeaZip PeaZip is a free RAR extractor that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and supports both pre-RAR5 .rar files and newer formats. Download it directly from [PeaZip](https:\/\/peazip.github.io\/). Before you download any software or open any files, make sure your device is well-guarded against any threats they may be harboring. Shielded by [Avast One’s](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/avast-one) multiple layers of security, you’re not just getting award-winning antivirus, but also advanced anti-hacking protection, real-time alerts to fake websites and dangerous attachments, and much more. [Download free Avast Security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) How to open a RAR file on Windows To open a RAR file on your PC, use an app like **WinRAR** that’s compatible with **Windows 11, 10, 8,** and **7**, and can be downloaded and used for free during a trial period. WinRAR was created by the same developers who came up with the .rar file format, and you can also use it to [create RAR files](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file). The guidance below is specific to WinRAR, but the steps will be similar for any Windows .rar file extractor. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinRAR: Download and install the [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/) app. Right-click the RAR file you want to open. Select **Open with WinRAR**. ![Opening a .rar file on a Windows PC with WinRAR.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-01.jpg) Click **Extract To**. Then select a destination folder for the unpacked files. Your RAR file is now open, and all the files are available in the destination folder you selected. Or, you can open the files directly from the WinRAR window. ![Extracting files from a .rar archive with WinRAR.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-02.jpg) How to open a RAR file on Mac We recommend **The Unarchiver** as a free app you can download from the App Store to open .rar formatted files on Mac. But there are several other free RAR openers available for Mac, and the process for installation, setup, and extractions should be very similar. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using The Unarchiver: Download [the Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/) directly or find it on the App Store. Launch the app and open the **Preferences** menu. Click on the **Archive Formats** tab. Ensure there’s a checkmark next to **RAR Archive**. ![Configuring The Unarchiver to extract .rar files on a Mac computer.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-03.jpg) Click the **Extraction** tab Select where you want the extracted folder to be saved. Find the .rar formatted file and right-click it. Select **Open With** \\> **The Unarchiver**. ![Selecting a destination folder for extracted RAR files on Mac with The Unarchiver tool.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-04.jpg) If you already selected a default destination, skip to the last step. Select a destination folder for the unpacked files. Finally, click **Extract**. Your RAR file has now been unpackaged. The files it contained are available in the destination folder you selected. ![Extracting a .rar file on Mac with The Unarchiver too.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-05.jpg) How to open a RAR file on iPhone You can open RAR files on iPhones too — the only issue is that many of the most popular file extractors are not compatible with iOS. Fortunately, **iZip** is available for download from the App Store, which means you can open .rar formatted files on iPhone for free. There are other options available, but they may require a paid subscription, or only offer a free trial. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using iZip: Find iZip on the App Store and tap **Get**. Alternatively, download [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/) directly. Find the RAR file on your iPhone. Tap the **iOS share** icon. ![Searching for iZip in the App Store on an iPhone, and preparing to open it via the iOS share icon.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-06.jpg) Select **iZip** from the list of available apps. Select OK when prompted. iZip will now get to work extracting the files. Large quantities of compressed data may take a while to extract. Once your RAR file is open, the files it contains will be available in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. ![Selecting iZip to open a .rar file on iOS.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-07.jpg) How to open a RAR file on Android **WinZip** is a free app you can download from Google Play to open .rar formatted files on Android. But beware that while the app itself is free to download, it requires a paid subscription to use. However, it does come with a free trial option, so you can use it to extract RAR files you need right now, and then decide if you want to keep the premium version. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinZip: Download [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/) directly from their website. Or you can get it from the Google Play store. Launch the app by tapping the **WinZip** icon on your home screen. ![Downloading and launching the WinZip app on an Android phone.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-08.jpg) Tap **Start** on the WinZip welcome screen. Select the free trial option. Now you’re ready to find the RAR file you want to open. ![Starting a free trial on WinZip for Android.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-09.jpg) Tap the **three-dots icon** next to the RAR file. Select **Unzip to** from the menu. Choose a destination folder for the extracted files. Then tap **Unzip here**. Once your RAR file is open, you can find the files it contained in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. ![Selecting a RAR file to unzip as well as a destination folder for the extracted files.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-10.jpg) What are RAR files used for? RAR files are used to transfer or store huge files, like when you [download your data from Google](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-download-google-data) or [Facebook](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-download-your-facebook-data), or send gigabytes of data as image, audio, or video files. Compressing the files into a single RAR file lets you speed up transfer and download times. Sometimes, file size limitations make a single file inconvenient for storing on a drive or sending in an email. In this situation, you can create a multi-volume archive by splitting your compressed data into multiple RAR files, known as “volumes.” Each volume is numbered in the file name (volname.part001.rar, volname.part002.rar). Then, when you uncompress your files, you need to have all volumes in the same location and extract them in chronological order. Regardless of what you use RAR files for, ensure the important data contained within them is clear of malicious threats. [Avast One](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/avast-one) can help stop shady downloads from infected email attachments or dangerous websites. So whether you transfer your important files in individual PDFs or compressed files like ZIPs or RARs, get Avast One to help your PC stay malware-free. [Download free Avast Security](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https:\/\/avast.sng.link\/Dp3jo\/tot0\/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The biggest difference between RAR and ZIP is that .zip formatted files are more widely used because the file format is flexible and can work with any operating system. Although both file types allow you to compress large amounts of data, here are some of the other differences between how the RAR and ZIP formats compress files: Compression RAR uses a higher data compression ratio than ZIP. That means RAR creates a smaller file size than ZIP. It doesn’t take as long to upload or download your RAR file, but it’s slower than compressing the same data using ZIP. Encryption Both file formats support password protection, but they use different [encryption methods](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-encryption). RAR uses AES-128 encryption, which is more sophisticated, difficult to crack, and generally superior to the ZIP 2.0 encryption algorithm. Recovery Like other file types, RAR and ZIP can get corrupted, making the content they contain inaccessible. If this occurs, you can repair the damage using RAR repair software, which allows you to reconstruct damaged data. Software Most operating systems have built-in features for opening ZIP files, and there are many free apps available for creating ZIPs. Creating and opening RAR files, by contrast, usually requires extra — and often paid — software. How to create a RAR file Although the latest versions of Windows 11 support RAR extraction, it’s still not possible to create a RAR file without third-party software. But the good news is that most of the tools available for extracting .rar files are also able to create them, so there’s probably no need to download yet another app. The easiest way to create a RAR file on Windows is with the WinRAR application. Here’s how to do it: Open **WinRAR**. Use the **drop-down menu** to select the folder with the files you want to compress into a RAR file. Select the individual files and folders you want to include in the RAR file (hold down the **Ctrl** key on your keyboard to select multiple files). ![An open WinRar window with files selected ready to be compressed to .rar format.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-11.jpg) Click **Add**. You can also edit the file name for the new RAR file. Check that the **Archive format** is set to **RAR**. Here, you can also adjust compression level, volume size, and other archiving parameters. Click **OK** to create the new RAR file. Wait while the RAR file is created. To minimize the WinRAR window during this process, click **Background**. ![An open WinRAR window with the Add button highlighted and a second archive name and parameters window overlaid.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-12.jpg) Once the file has been created, you’ll see the new RAR file selected in the WinRAR window. Your RAR file is automatically saved to the same folder as the original files. And that’s how you make a RAR file! If file compression is your main goal, you might also consider creating a ZIP file, which gives you similar benefits. ![An open WinRAR window with a newly created .rar file highlighted.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-13.jpg) How to convert a RAR file Sometimes the simplest compression option is to convert a RAR file into a ZIP. This helps make it more accessible for people you need to share it with because they’ll probably be able to open .zip files using their operating system’s built-in tool, or a third-party unzipper they already have installed. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select **Open with** \\> **WinZip**. Click the down arrow next to **Unzip to** and select the folder location where you want to save the contents. Then click **Unzip** to start unpackaging the original .rar files. ![An open WinZip window with the down arrow highlighted in the Actions menu on the right side.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-14.jpg) Then, click the **From PC or Cloud** icon on the WinZip top menu ribbon, and drag and drop all the extracted files into the WinZip window. In the menu, select **File** \\> **Save As**. Choose the folder location where you want to save the new ZIP file and click **Save**. And that’s it — your RAR file has now been converted to a ZIP file. ![A Finder window with files selected and an arrow pointing from the Finder window to an open WinZip window.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-15.jpg) Are RAR files safe to use? RAR files are usually safe to use. But just like regular files, compressed files (RAR or ZIP) can also contain [viruses](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-computer-virus) or [malware](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-malware). However, any virus compressed in a RAR file can’t harm your device until you extract it. The recommended way to keep your device safe is to use the [best antivirus software](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-best-free-antivirus-software) to make sure your computer scans files to identify threats before you extract them. But RAR files themselves are very secure — quite a lot more so than many other file compression methods. That’s because they offer encryption-enabled password protection using a complex encryption protocol. However, if privacy is your top concern, you’re better off going with [7-Zip,](https:\/\/www.7-zip.org\/) which uses the same bank-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm offered by the strongest [VPNs](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-what-is-a-vpn). How to password protect a RAR file? If you want to protect your files from falling into the wrong hands, then [encrypting your RAR file with a password](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-password-protect-file-folder-windows) can help. If you [create a strong password](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-strong-password-ideas), prying eyes won’t even be able to see the names of the files within your RAR archive. Not only does it make your data much less susceptible to interception by [hackers](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-hacker), but it also prevents unauthorized access via the recipient’s device. Here’s how to password protect a RAR file using WinRAR on Windows: Add your files to a new RAR archive by following **steps 1** and **2** in our [how to create a RAR file instructions](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file) above. Click the **Add** icon in the top-left corner of the screen. After naming the new RAR file, click **Set password**. ![An open WinRAR Archive name and parameters window with Set password selected.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-16.jpg) Enter a password for the file, then re-enter the password to confirm it. Check the **Encrypt file names** box, then click **OK**. Click **OK** to create your RAR file, which will be password-protected. ![ A WinRAR window for creating a password with a check box to encrypt file names and the OK button highlighted.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-17.jpg) Unlock ultimate protection with Avast No matter where you want to create, manage, or download RAR files, you need to shield yourself from cyber threats they might be hiding. With comprehensive file scanning and malware detection, [Avast One](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/avast-one) makes it easy to create and extract RAR files on any device. ![A screenshot of Avast One showing the Scan Center and other device protection features.](https:\/\/www.avast.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/New_Avast_Academy\/open_rar_files_academy_toolish\/img-18.jpg?width=700&name=img-18.jpg) And thanks to additional features including a firewall, password protection, and an integrated VPN, you can keep hackers off your device and encrypt all the data you send and receive online for maximum privacy and security. Install Avast One today to help keep your files private and your PC, laptop, or phone virus-free. 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Boilerpipe Text	Avast Academy Performance Performance Tips What Is a RAR File and How Do I Open It? Written by Anna Wratislav \| Updated on February 20, 2024 RAR files are used to combine and compress multiple files when sending them together. We’ll show you how to open RAR files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. But first, install a security app like Avast One to protect your device from unknown files and malicious downloads. Download free Avast Security Get it for iOS , Android , PC Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for PC , Mac , iOS Download Avast Free Antivirus Get it for Android , iOS , Mac Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for Mac , PC , Android 2025 3 Stars Advanced+ 2025 Product of the Year 2025 Top Rated Product This Article Contains This Article Contains What is a RAR file? How to open a RAR file? What are RAR files used for? How to create a RAR file How to convert a RAR file Are RAR files safe to use? Unlock ultimate protection with Avast You Might Also Like... What is a RAR file? A RAR file contains one or more files that have been compressed into a smaller file using WinRAR software. The .rar file extension name stands for R oshal A rchive, meaning a high-quality compressed file (also known as an archive) that can be encrypted and password protected. Acting as a container for compressed data, RAR files reduce the overall size of files being shared, facilitating quicker data transfers, and conserving storage space. Unlike some other data compression methods, because .rar files are fully compatible with encryption-enabled password protection, they're a popular format that balances efficiency with data security. How to open a RAR file? To open files ending in .rar you’ll probably need a special RAR file opener for extracting the data. Windows 11 now comes with native RAR support, but on other platforms and operating systems, you’ll need third-party software. If you’ve ever downloaded an app to unpack a ZIP file, the same software may be able to unzip RAR files too. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used applications for opening RAR files: WinZip WinZip is a paid app for RAR and ZIP file management available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Download it from WinZip , the App Store, or Google Play. WinRAR WinRAR is a paid app for extracting and creating RAR files on Windows. The app comes with a free trial, and you can download it from WinRAR . 7-Zip 7-Zip is a free, open-source app with a high compression ratio and its own archive format called 7z. It's available for Windows PCs and downloadable from 7-Zip . iZip iZip is a free app for ZIP and RAR file management that's available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC. Download it from the App Store or iZip . The Unarchiver The Unarchiver is a free app for unpacking archived files on Mac. Download it from the App Store or The Unarchiver . PeaZip PeaZip is a free RAR extractor that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and supports both pre-RAR5 .rar files and newer formats. Download it directly from PeaZip . Before you download any software or open any files, make sure your device is well-guarded against any threats they may be harboring. Shielded by Avast One’s multiple layers of security, you’re not just getting award-winning antivirus, but also advanced anti-hacking protection, real-time alerts to fake websites and dangerous attachments, and much more. Download free Avast Security Get it for iOS , Android , PC Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for PC , Mac , iOS Download Avast Free Antivirus Get it for Android , iOS , Mac Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for Mac , PC , Android How to open a RAR file on Windows To open a RAR file on your PC, use an app like WinRAR that’s compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7 , and can be downloaded and used for free during a trial period. WinRAR was created by the same developers who came up with the .rar file format, and you can also use it to create RAR files . The guidance below is specific to WinRAR, but the steps will be similar for any Windows .rar file extractor. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinRAR: Download and install the WinRAR app. Right-click the RAR file you want to open. Select Open with WinRAR . Click Extract To . Then select a destination folder for the unpacked files. Your RAR file is now open, and all the files are available in the destination folder you selected. Or, you can open the files directly from the WinRAR window. How to open a RAR file on Mac We recommend The Unarchiver as a free app you can download from the App Store to open .rar formatted files on Mac. But there are several other free RAR openers available for Mac, and the process for installation, setup, and extractions should be very similar. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using The Unarchiver: Download the Unarchiver directly or find it on the App Store. Launch the app and open the Preferences menu. Click on the Archive Formats tab. Ensure there’s a checkmark next to RAR Archive . Click the Extraction tab Select where you want the extracted folder to be saved. Find the .rar formatted file and right-click it. Select Open With > The Unarchiver . If you already selected a default destination, skip to the last step. Select a destination folder for the unpacked files. Finally, click Extract . Your RAR file has now been unpackaged. The files it contained are available in the destination folder you selected. How to open a RAR file on iPhone You can open RAR files on iPhones too — the only issue is that many of the most popular file extractors are not compatible with iOS. Fortunately, iZip is available for download from the App Store, which means you can open .rar formatted files on iPhone for free. There are other options available, but they may require a paid subscription, or only offer a free trial. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using iZip: Find iZip on the App Store and tap Get . Alternatively, download iZip directly. Find the RAR file on your iPhone. Tap the iOS share icon. Select iZip from the list of available apps. Select OK when prompted. iZip will now get to work extracting the files. Large quantities of compressed data may take a while to extract. Once your RAR file is open, the files it contains will be available in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. How to open a RAR file on Android WinZip is a free app you can download from Google Play to open .rar formatted files on Android. But beware that while the app itself is free to download, it requires a paid subscription to use. However, it does come with a free trial option, so you can use it to extract RAR files you need right now, and then decide if you want to keep the premium version. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinZip: Download WinZip directly from their website. Or you can get it from the Google Play store. Launch the app by tapping the WinZip icon on your home screen. Tap Start on the WinZip welcome screen. Select the free trial option. Now you’re ready to find the RAR file you want to open. Tap the three-dots icon next to the RAR file. Select Unzip to from the menu. Choose a destination folder for the extracted files. Then tap Unzip here . Once your RAR file is open, you can find the files it contained in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. What are RAR files used for? RAR files are used to transfer or store huge files, like when you download your data from Google or Facebook , or send gigabytes of data as image, audio, or video files. Compressing the files into a single RAR file lets you speed up transfer and download times. Sometimes, file size limitations make a single file inconvenient for storing on a drive or sending in an email. In this situation, you can create a multi-volume archive by splitting your compressed data into multiple RAR files, known as “volumes.” Each volume is numbered in the file name (volname.part001.rar, volname.part002.rar). Then, when you uncompress your files, you need to have all volumes in the same location and extract them in chronological order. Regardless of what you use RAR files for, ensure the important data contained within them is clear of malicious threats. Avast One can help stop shady downloads from infected email attachments or dangerous websites. So whether you transfer your important files in individual PDFs or compressed files like ZIPs or RARs, get Avast One to help your PC stay malware-free. Download free Avast Security Get it for iOS , Android , PC Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for PC , Mac , iOS Download Avast Free Antivirus Get it for Android , iOS , Mac Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for Mac , PC , Android RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The biggest difference between RAR and ZIP is that .zip formatted files are more widely used because the file format is flexible and can work with any operating system. Although both file types allow you to compress large amounts of data, here are some of the other differences between how the RAR and ZIP formats compress files: Compression RAR uses a higher data compression ratio than ZIP. That means RAR creates a smaller file size than ZIP. It doesn’t take as long to upload or download your RAR file, but it’s slower than compressing the same data using ZIP. Encryption Both file formats support password protection, but they use different encryption methods . RAR uses AES-128 encryption, which is more sophisticated, difficult to crack, and generally superior to the ZIP 2.0 encryption algorithm. Recovery Like other file types, RAR and ZIP can get corrupted, making the content they contain inaccessible. If this occurs, you can repair the damage using RAR repair software, which allows you to reconstruct damaged data. Software Most operating systems have built-in features for opening ZIP files, and there are many free apps available for creating ZIPs. Creating and opening RAR files, by contrast, usually requires extra — and often paid — software. How to create a RAR file Although the latest versions of Windows 11 support RAR extraction, it’s still not possible to create a RAR file without third-party software. But the good news is that most of the tools available for extracting .rar files are also able to create them, so there’s probably no need to download yet another app. The easiest way to create a RAR file on Windows is with the WinRAR application. Here’s how to do it: Open WinRAR . Use the drop-down menu to select the folder with the files you want to compress into a RAR file. Select the individual files and folders you want to include in the RAR file (hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard to select multiple files). Click Add . You can also edit the file name for the new RAR file. Check that the Archive format is set to RAR . Here, you can also adjust compression level, volume size, and other archiving parameters. Click OK to create the new RAR file. Wait while the RAR file is created. To minimize the WinRAR window during this process, click Background . Once the file has been created, you’ll see the new RAR file selected in the WinRAR window. Your RAR file is automatically saved to the same folder as the original files. And that’s how you make a RAR file! If file compression is your main goal, you might also consider creating a ZIP file, which gives you similar benefits. How to convert a RAR file Sometimes the simplest compression option is to convert a RAR file into a ZIP. This helps make it more accessible for people you need to share it with because they’ll probably be able to open .zip files using their operating system’s built-in tool, or a third-party unzipper they already have installed. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select Open with > WinZip . Click the down arrow next to Unzip to and select the folder location where you want to save the contents. Then click Unzip to start unpackaging the original .rar files. Then, click the From PC or Cloud icon on the WinZip top menu ribbon, and drag and drop all the extracted files into the WinZip window. In the menu, select File > Save As . Choose the folder location where you want to save the new ZIP file and click Save . And that’s it — your RAR file has now been converted to a ZIP file. Are RAR files safe to use? RAR files are usually safe to use. But just like regular files, compressed files (RAR or ZIP) can also contain viruses or malware . However, any virus compressed in a RAR file can’t harm your device until you extract it. The recommended way to keep your device safe is to use the best antivirus software to make sure your computer scans files to identify threats before you extract them. But RAR files themselves are very secure — quite a lot more so than many other file compression methods. That’s because they offer encryption-enabled password protection using a complex encryption protocol. However, if privacy is your top concern, you’re better off going with 7-Zip, which uses the same bank-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm offered by the strongest VPNs . How to password protect a RAR file? If you want to protect your files from falling into the wrong hands, then encrypting your RAR file with a password can help. If you create a strong password , prying eyes won’t even be able to see the names of the files within your RAR archive. Not only does it make your data much less susceptible to interception by hackers , but it also prevents unauthorized access via the recipient’s device. Here’s how to password protect a RAR file using WinRAR on Windows: Add your files to a new RAR archive by following steps 1 and 2 in our how to create a RAR file instructions above. Click the Add icon in the top-left corner of the screen. After naming the new RAR file, click Set password . Enter a password for the file, then re-enter the password to confirm it. Check the Encrypt file names box, then click OK . Click OK to create your RAR file, which will be password-protected. Unlock ultimate protection with Avast No matter where you want to create, manage, or download RAR files, you need to shield yourself from cyber threats they might be hiding. With comprehensive file scanning and malware detection, Avast One makes it easy to create and extract RAR files on any device. And thanks to additional features including a firewall, password protection, and an integrated VPN, you can keep hackers off your device and encrypt all the data you send and receive online for maximum privacy and security. Install Avast One today to help keep your files private and your PC, laptop, or phone virus-free. Download free Avast Security Get it for iOS , Android , PC Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for PC , Mac , iOS Download Avast Free Antivirus Get it for Android , iOS , Mac Install free Avast Mobile Security Get it for Mac , PC , Android You Might Also Like... 1/8 What Is VPN Split Tunneling? 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Written by Anna Wratislav \\| Updated on February 20, 2024 RAR files are used to combine and compress multiple files when sending them together. We’ll show you how to open RAR files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. But first, install a security app like Avast One to protect your device from unknown files and malicious downloads. [Download free Avast Security](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) ![award\_av\_comparatives\_advanced\_2025](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/academy_new_awards_2025/award_48487_3032117_stars3.png) 2025 3 Stars Advanced+ ![av\_lab\_2025](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/academy_new_awards_2025/Product-of-the-Year-Certificate-2025%20\(1\).svg) 2025 Product of the Year ![av\_test\_top\_product\_2025](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/academy_new_awards_2025/avtest_certified_homeuser_2025-02.png) 2025 Top Rated Product ![](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/Avast/Academy/assets/i/helpers/avast-dark.svg) ![Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero](https://www.avast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg?width=1360&name=Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg) This Article Contains This Article Contains - [What is a RAR file?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1) - [How to open a RAR file?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2) - [What are RAR files used for?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3) - [How to create a RAR file](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4) - [How to convert a RAR file](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5) - [Are RAR files safe to use?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6) - [Unlock ultimate protection with Avast](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-7) - [You Might Also Like...](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-8) ## What is a RAR file? A RAR file contains one or more files that have been compressed into a smaller file using WinRAR software. The .rar file extension name stands for Roshal Archive, meaning a high-quality compressed file (also known as an archive) that can be encrypted and password protected. Acting as a container for compressed data, RAR files reduce the overall size of files being shared, facilitating quicker data transfers, and conserving storage space. Unlike some other data compression methods, because .rar files are fully compatible with encryption-enabled password protection, they're a popular format that balances efficiency with data security. ## How to open a RAR file? To open files ending in .rar you’ll probably need a special RAR file opener for extracting the data. Windows 11 now comes with native RAR support, but on other platforms and operating systems, you’ll need third-party software. If you’ve ever downloaded an app to unpack a ZIP file, the same software may be able to unzip RAR files too. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used applications for opening RAR files: WinZip ###### WinZip is a paid app for RAR and ZIP file management available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Download it from [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/), the App Store, or Google Play. WinRAR ###### WinRAR is a paid app for extracting and creating RAR files on Windows. The app comes with a free trial, and you can download it from [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). 7-Zip ###### 7-Zip is a free, open-source app with a high compression ratio and its own archive format called 7z. It's available for Windows PCs and downloadable from [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/). iZip ###### iZip is a free app for ZIP and RAR file management that's available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC. Download it from the App Store or [iZip](https://www.izip.com/). The Unarchiver ###### The Unarchiver is a free app for unpacking archived files on Mac. Download it from the App Store or [The Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/). PeaZip ###### PeaZip is a free RAR extractor that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and supports both pre-RAR5 .rar files and newer formats. Download it directly from [PeaZip](https://peazip.github.io/). Before you download any software or open any files, make sure your device is well-guarded against any threats they may be harboring. Shielded by [Avast One’s](https://www.avast.com/avast-one) multiple layers of security, you’re not just getting award-winning antivirus, but also advanced anti-hacking protection, real-time alerts to fake websites and dangerous attachments, and much more. [Download free Avast Security](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) ### How to open a RAR file on Windows To open a RAR file on your PC, use an app like WinRAR that’s compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, and can be downloaded and used for free during a trial period. WinRAR was created by the same developers who came up with the .rar file format, and you can also use it to [create RAR files](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file). The guidance below is specific to WinRAR, but the steps will be similar for any Windows .rar file extractor. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinRAR: 1. Download and install the [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/) app. 2. Right-click the RAR file you want to open. 3. Select Open with WinRAR. ![Opening a .rar file on a Windows PC with WinRAR.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-01.jpg) 1. Click Extract To. 2. Then select a destination folder for the unpacked files. Your RAR file is now open, and all the files are available in the destination folder you selected. Or, you can open the files directly from the WinRAR window. ![Extracting files from a .rar archive with WinRAR.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-02.jpg) ### How to open a RAR file on Mac We recommend The Unarchiver as a free app you can download from the App Store to open .rar formatted files on Mac. But there are several other free RAR openers available for Mac, and the process for installation, setup, and extractions should be very similar. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using The Unarchiver: 1. Download [the Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/) directly or find it on the App Store. 2. Launch the app and open the Preferences menu. 3. Click on the Archive Formats tab. 4. Ensure there’s a checkmark next to RAR Archive. ![Configuring The Unarchiver to extract .rar files on a Mac computer.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-03.jpg) 1. Click the Extraction tab 2. Select where you want the extracted folder to be saved. 3. Find the .rar formatted file and right-click it. 4. Select Open With \> The Unarchiver. ![Selecting a destination folder for extracted RAR files on Mac with The Unarchiver tool.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-04.jpg) 1. If you already selected a default destination, skip to the last step. 2. Select a destination folder for the unpacked files. 3. Finally, click Extract. Your RAR file has now been unpackaged. The files it contained are available in the destination folder you selected. ![Extracting a .rar file on Mac with The Unarchiver too.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-05.jpg) ### How to open a RAR file on iPhone You can open RAR files on iPhones too — the only issue is that many of the most popular file extractors are not compatible with iOS. Fortunately, iZip is available for download from the App Store, which means you can open .rar formatted files on iPhone for free. There are other options available, but they may require a paid subscription, or only offer a free trial. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using iZip: 1. Find iZip on the App Store and tap Get. 2. Alternatively, download [iZip](https://www.izip.com/) directly. 3. Find the RAR file on your iPhone. 4. Tap the iOS share icon. ![Searching for iZip in the App Store on an iPhone, and preparing to open it via the iOS share icon.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-06.jpg) 1. Select iZip from the list of available apps. 2. Select OK when prompted. 3. iZip will now get to work extracting the files. 4. Large quantities of compressed data may take a while to extract. Once your RAR file is open, the files it contains will be available in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. ![Selecting iZip to open a .rar file on iOS.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-07.jpg) ### How to open a RAR file on Android WinZip is a free app you can download from Google Play to open .rar formatted files on Android. But beware that while the app itself is free to download, it requires a paid subscription to use. However, it does come with a free trial option, so you can use it to extract RAR files you need right now, and then decide if you want to keep the premium version. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinZip: 1. Download [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/) directly from their website. 2. Or you can get it from the Google Play store. 3. Launch the app by tapping the WinZip icon on your home screen. ![Downloading and launching the WinZip app on an Android phone.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-08.jpg) 1. Tap Start on the WinZip welcome screen. 2. Select the free trial option. 3. Now you’re ready to find the RAR file you want to open. ![Starting a free trial on WinZip for Android.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-09.jpg) 1. Tap the three-dots icon next to the RAR file. 2. Select Unzip to from the menu. 3. Choose a destination folder for the extracted files. 4. Then tap Unzip here. Once your RAR file is open, you can find the files it contained in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. ![Selecting a RAR file to unzip as well as a destination folder for the extracted files.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-10.jpg) ## What are RAR files used for? RAR files are used to transfer or store huge files, like when you [download your data from Google](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-download-google-data) or [Facebook](https://www.avast.com/c-download-your-facebook-data), or send gigabytes of data as image, audio, or video files. Compressing the files into a single RAR file lets you speed up transfer and download times. Sometimes, file size limitations make a single file inconvenient for storing on a drive or sending in an email. In this situation, you can create a multi-volume archive by splitting your compressed data into multiple RAR files, known as “volumes.” Each volume is numbered in the file name (volname.part001.rar, volname.part002.rar). Then, when you uncompress your files, you need to have all volumes in the same location and extract them in chronological order. Regardless of what you use RAR files for, ensure the important data contained within them is clear of malicious threats. [Avast One](https://www.avast.com/avast-one) can help stop shady downloads from infected email attachments or dangerous websites. So whether you transfer your important files in individual PDFs or compressed files like ZIPs or RARs, get Avast One to help your PC stay malware-free. [Download free Avast Security](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) ### RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The biggest difference between RAR and ZIP is that .zip formatted files are more widely used because the file format is flexible and can work with any operating system. Although both file types allow you to compress large amounts of data, here are some of the other differences between how the RAR and ZIP formats compress files: Compression ###### RAR uses a higher data compression ratio than ZIP. That means RAR creates a smaller file size than ZIP. It doesn’t take as long to upload or download your RAR file, but it’s slower than compressing the same data using ZIP. Encryption ###### Both file formats support password protection, but they use different [encryption methods](https://www.avast.com/c-encryption). RAR uses AES-128 encryption, which is more sophisticated, difficult to crack, and generally superior to the ZIP 2.0 encryption algorithm. Recovery ###### Like other file types, RAR and ZIP can get corrupted, making the content they contain inaccessible. If this occurs, you can repair the damage using RAR repair software, which allows you to reconstruct damaged data. Software ###### Most operating systems have built-in features for opening ZIP files, and there are many free apps available for creating ZIPs. Creating and opening RAR files, by contrast, usually requires extra — and often paid — software. ## How to create a RAR file Although the latest versions of Windows 11 support RAR extraction, it’s still not possible to create a RAR file without third-party software. But the good news is that most of the tools available for extracting .rar files are also able to create them, so there’s probably no need to download yet another app. The easiest way to create a RAR file on Windows is with the WinRAR application. Here’s how to do it: 1. Open WinRAR. 2. Use the drop-down menu to select the folder with the files you want to compress into a RAR file. Select the individual files and folders you want to include in the RAR file (hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard to select multiple files). ![An open WinRar window with files selected ready to be compressed to .rar format.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-11.jpg) 1. Click Add. You can also edit the file name for the new RAR file. Check that the Archive format is set to RAR. Here, you can also adjust compression level, volume size, and other archiving parameters. Click OK to create the new RAR file. 2. Wait while the RAR file is created. To minimize the WinRAR window during this process, click Background. ![An open WinRAR window with the Add button highlighted and a second archive name and parameters window overlaid.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-12.jpg) 1. Once the file has been created, you’ll see the new RAR file selected in the WinRAR window. Your RAR file is automatically saved to the same folder as the original files. And that’s how you make a RAR file! If file compression is your main goal, you might also consider creating a ZIP file, which gives you similar benefits. ![An open WinRAR window with a newly created .rar file highlighted.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-13.jpg) ## How to convert a RAR file Sometimes the simplest compression option is to convert a RAR file into a ZIP. This helps make it more accessible for people you need to share it with because they’ll probably be able to open .zip files using their operating system’s built-in tool, or a third-party unzipper they already have installed. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: 1. Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select Open with \> WinZip. 2. Click the down arrow next to Unzip to and select the folder location where you want to save the contents. Then click Unzip to start unpackaging the original .rar files. ![An open WinZip window with the down arrow highlighted in the Actions menu on the right side.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-14.jpg) 1. Then, click the From PC or Cloud icon on the WinZip top menu ribbon, and drag and drop all the extracted files into the WinZip window. 2. In the menu, select File \> Save As. Choose the folder location where you want to save the new ZIP file and click Save. And that’s it — your RAR file has now been converted to a ZIP file. ![A Finder window with files selected and an arrow pointing from the Finder window to an open WinZip window.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-15.jpg) ## Are RAR files safe to use? RAR files are usually safe to use. But just like regular files, compressed files (RAR or ZIP) can also contain [viruses](https://www.avast.com/c-computer-virus) or [malware](https://www.avast.com/c-malware). However, any virus compressed in a RAR file can’t harm your device until you extract it. The recommended way to keep your device safe is to use the [best antivirus software](https://www.avast.com/c-best-free-antivirus-software) to make sure your computer scans files to identify threats before you extract them. But RAR files themselves are very secure — quite a lot more so than many other file compression methods. That’s because they offer encryption-enabled password protection using a complex encryption protocol. However, if privacy is your top concern, you’re better off going with [7-Zip,](https://www.7-zip.org/) which uses the same bank-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm offered by the strongest [VPNs](https://www.avast.com/c-what-is-a-vpn). ### How to password protect a RAR file? If you want to protect your files from falling into the wrong hands, then [encrypting your RAR file with a password](https://www.avast.com/c-password-protect-file-folder-windows) can help. If you [create a strong password](https://www.avast.com/c-strong-password-ideas), prying eyes won’t even be able to see the names of the files within your RAR archive. Not only does it make your data much less susceptible to interception by [hackers](https://www.avast.com/c-hacker), but it also prevents unauthorized access via the recipient’s device. Here’s how to password protect a RAR file using WinRAR on Windows: 1. Add your files to a new RAR archive by following steps 1 and 2 in our [how to create a RAR file instructions](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file) above. 2. Click the Add icon in the top-left corner of the screen. 3. After naming the new RAR file, click Set password. ![An open WinRAR Archive name and parameters window with Set password selected.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-16.jpg) 1. Enter a password for the file, then re-enter the password to confirm it. 2. Check the Encrypt file names box, then click OK. 3. Click OK to create your RAR file, which will be password-protected. ![ A WinRAR window for creating a password with a check box to encrypt file names and the OK button highlighted.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-17.jpg) ## Unlock ultimate protection with Avast No matter where you want to create, manage, or download RAR files, you need to shield yourself from cyber threats they might be hiding. With comprehensive file scanning and malware detection, [Avast One](https://www.avast.com/avast-one) makes it easy to create and extract RAR files on any device. ![A screenshot of Avast One showing the Scan Center and other device protection features.](https://www.avast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-18.jpg?width=700&name=img-18.jpg) And thanks to additional features including a firewall, password protection, and an integrated VPN, you can keep hackers off your device and encrypt all the data you send and receive online for maximum privacy and security. Install Avast One today to help keep your files private and your PC, laptop, or phone virus-free. 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Readable Markdown	[Avast Academy](https://www.avast.com/c-academy) [Performance](https://www.avast.com/c-category-performance) [Performance Tips](https://www.avast.com/c-topic-performance-tips) What Is a RAR File and How Do I Open It? Written by Anna Wratislav \\| Updated on February 20, 2024 RAR files are used to combine and compress multiple files when sending them together. We’ll show you how to open RAR files on Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. But first, install a security app like Avast One to protect your device from unknown files and malicious downloads. [Download free Avast Security](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) ![award\_av\_comparatives\_advanced\_2025](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/academy_new_awards_2025/award_48487_3032117_stars3.png) 2025 3 Stars Advanced+ ![av\_lab\_2025](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/academy_new_awards_2025/Product-of-the-Year-Certificate-2025%20\(1\).svg) 2025 Product of the Year ![av\_test\_top\_product\_2025](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/academy_new_awards_2025/avtest_certified_homeuser_2025-02.png) 2025 Top Rated Product ![](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/Avast/Academy/assets/i/helpers/avast-dark.svg) ![Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero](https://www.avast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg?width=1360&name=Academy-What-Is-a-RAR-File-and-How-Do-I-Open-It-Hero.jpg) This Article Contains This Article Contains [What is a RAR file?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1) [How to open a RAR file?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2) [What are RAR files used for?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3) [How to create a RAR file](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4) [How to convert a RAR file](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5) [Are RAR files safe to use?](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6) [Unlock ultimate protection with Avast](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-7) [You Might Also Like...](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#topic-8) What is a RAR file? A RAR file contains one or more files that have been compressed into a smaller file using WinRAR software. The .rar file extension name stands for Roshal Archive, meaning a high-quality compressed file (also known as an archive) that can be encrypted and password protected. Acting as a container for compressed data, RAR files reduce the overall size of files being shared, facilitating quicker data transfers, and conserving storage space. Unlike some other data compression methods, because .rar files are fully compatible with encryption-enabled password protection, they're a popular format that balances efficiency with data security. How to open a RAR file? To open files ending in .rar you’ll probably need a special RAR file opener for extracting the data. Windows 11 now comes with native RAR support, but on other platforms and operating systems, you’ll need third-party software. If you’ve ever downloaded an app to unpack a ZIP file, the same software may be able to unzip RAR files too. Here’s an overview of the most commonly used applications for opening RAR files: WinZip WinZip is a paid app for RAR and ZIP file management available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Download it from [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/), the App Store, or Google Play. WinRAR WinRAR is a paid app for extracting and creating RAR files on Windows. The app comes with a free trial, and you can download it from [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). 7-Zip 7-Zip is a free, open-source app with a high compression ratio and its own archive format called 7z. It's available for Windows PCs and downloadable from [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/). iZip iZip is a free app for ZIP and RAR file management that's available for Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Windows PC. Download it from the App Store or [iZip](https://www.izip.com/). The Unarchiver The Unarchiver is a free app for unpacking archived files on Mac. Download it from the App Store or [The Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/). PeaZip PeaZip is a free RAR extractor that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows and supports both pre-RAR5 .rar files and newer formats. Download it directly from [PeaZip](https://peazip.github.io/). Before you download any software or open any files, make sure your device is well-guarded against any threats they may be harboring. Shielded by [Avast One’s](https://www.avast.com/avast-one) multiple layers of security, you’re not just getting award-winning antivirus, but also advanced anti-hacking protection, real-time alerts to fake websites and dangerous attachments, and much more. [Download free Avast Security](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) How to open a RAR file on Windows To open a RAR file on your PC, use an app like WinRAR that’s compatible with Windows 11, 10, 8, and 7, and can be downloaded and used for free during a trial period. WinRAR was created by the same developers who came up with the .rar file format, and you can also use it to [create RAR files](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file). The guidance below is specific to WinRAR, but the steps will be similar for any Windows .rar file extractor. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinRAR: Download and install the [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/) app. Right-click the RAR file you want to open. Select Open with WinRAR. ![Opening a .rar file on a Windows PC with WinRAR.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-01.jpg) Click Extract To. Then select a destination folder for the unpacked files. Your RAR file is now open, and all the files are available in the destination folder you selected. Or, you can open the files directly from the WinRAR window. ![Extracting files from a .rar archive with WinRAR.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-02.jpg) How to open a RAR file on Mac We recommend The Unarchiver as a free app you can download from the App Store to open .rar formatted files on Mac. But there are several other free RAR openers available for Mac, and the process for installation, setup, and extractions should be very similar. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using The Unarchiver: Download [the Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/) directly or find it on the App Store. Launch the app and open the Preferences menu. Click on the Archive Formats tab. Ensure there’s a checkmark next to RAR Archive. ![Configuring The Unarchiver to extract .rar files on a Mac computer.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-03.jpg) Click the Extraction tab Select where you want the extracted folder to be saved. Find the .rar formatted file and right-click it. Select Open With \> The Unarchiver. ![Selecting a destination folder for extracted RAR files on Mac with The Unarchiver tool.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-04.jpg) If you already selected a default destination, skip to the last step. Select a destination folder for the unpacked files. Finally, click Extract. Your RAR file has now been unpackaged. The files it contained are available in the destination folder you selected. ![Extracting a .rar file on Mac with The Unarchiver too.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-05.jpg) How to open a RAR file on iPhone You can open RAR files on iPhones too — the only issue is that many of the most popular file extractors are not compatible with iOS. Fortunately, iZip is available for download from the App Store, which means you can open .rar formatted files on iPhone for free. There are other options available, but they may require a paid subscription, or only offer a free trial. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using iZip: Find iZip on the App Store and tap Get. Alternatively, download [iZip](https://www.izip.com/) directly. Find the RAR file on your iPhone. Tap the iOS share icon. ![Searching for iZip in the App Store on an iPhone, and preparing to open it via the iOS share icon.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-06.jpg) Select iZip from the list of available apps. Select OK when prompted. iZip will now get to work extracting the files. Large quantities of compressed data may take a while to extract. Once your RAR file is open, the files it contains will be available in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. ![Selecting iZip to open a .rar file on iOS.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-07.jpg) How to open a RAR file on Android WinZip is a free app you can download from Google Play to open .rar formatted files on Android. But beware that while the app itself is free to download, it requires a paid subscription to use. However, it does come with a free trial option, so you can use it to extract RAR files you need right now, and then decide if you want to keep the premium version. Here’s how to unpack a RAR file using WinZip: Download [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/) directly from their website. Or you can get it from the Google Play store. Launch the app by tapping the WinZip icon on your home screen. ![Downloading and launching the WinZip app on an Android phone.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-08.jpg) Tap Start on the WinZip welcome screen. Select the free trial option. Now you’re ready to find the RAR file you want to open. ![Starting a free trial on WinZip for Android.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-09.jpg) Tap the three-dots icon next to the RAR file. Select Unzip to from the menu. Choose a destination folder for the extracted files. Then tap Unzip here. Once your RAR file is open, you can find the files it contained in a new folder in the same location, and with the same name, as the original RAR file. ![Selecting a RAR file to unzip as well as a destination folder for the extracted files.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-10.jpg) What are RAR files used for? RAR files are used to transfer or store huge files, like when you [download your data from Google](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-download-google-data) or [Facebook](https://www.avast.com/c-download-your-facebook-data), or send gigabytes of data as image, audio, or video files. Compressing the files into a single RAR file lets you speed up transfer and download times. Sometimes, file size limitations make a single file inconvenient for storing on a drive or sending in an email. In this situation, you can create a multi-volume archive by splitting your compressed data into multiple RAR files, known as “volumes.” Each volume is numbered in the file name (volname.part001.rar, volname.part002.rar). Then, when you uncompress your files, you need to have all volumes in the same location and extract them in chronological order. Regardless of what you use RAR files for, ensure the important data contained within them is clear of malicious threats. [Avast One](https://www.avast.com/avast-one) can help stop shady downloads from infected email attachments or dangerous websites. So whether you transfer your important files in individual PDFs or compressed files like ZIPs or RARs, get Avast One to help your PC stay malware-free. [Download free Avast Security](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=MAC-FREE-ONLINE) Get it for [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) Get it for [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) [Download Avast Free Antivirus](https://www.avast.com/download-thank-you.php?product=FAV-ONLINE-ACADEMY) Get it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy), [iOS](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx), [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac) [Install free Avast Mobile Security](https://avast.sng.link/Dp3jo/tot0/qbzx) Get it for [Mac](https://www.avast.com/free-mac-security#mac), [PC](https://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download#pc), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.mobilesecurity&referrer=utm_source%3Davast_com%26utm_medium%3Dacademy) RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The biggest difference between RAR and ZIP is that .zip formatted files are more widely used because the file format is flexible and can work with any operating system. Although both file types allow you to compress large amounts of data, here are some of the other differences between how the RAR and ZIP formats compress files: Compression RAR uses a higher data compression ratio than ZIP. That means RAR creates a smaller file size than ZIP. It doesn’t take as long to upload or download your RAR file, but it’s slower than compressing the same data using ZIP. Encryption Both file formats support password protection, but they use different [encryption methods](https://www.avast.com/c-encryption). RAR uses AES-128 encryption, which is more sophisticated, difficult to crack, and generally superior to the ZIP 2.0 encryption algorithm. Recovery Like other file types, RAR and ZIP can get corrupted, making the content they contain inaccessible. If this occurs, you can repair the damage using RAR repair software, which allows you to reconstruct damaged data. Software Most operating systems have built-in features for opening ZIP files, and there are many free apps available for creating ZIPs. Creating and opening RAR files, by contrast, usually requires extra — and often paid — software. How to create a RAR file Although the latest versions of Windows 11 support RAR extraction, it’s still not possible to create a RAR file without third-party software. But the good news is that most of the tools available for extracting .rar files are also able to create them, so there’s probably no need to download yet another app. The easiest way to create a RAR file on Windows is with the WinRAR application. Here’s how to do it: Open WinRAR. Use the drop-down menu to select the folder with the files you want to compress into a RAR file. Select the individual files and folders you want to include in the RAR file (hold down the Ctrl key on your keyboard to select multiple files). ![An open WinRar window with files selected ready to be compressed to .rar format.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-11.jpg) Click Add. You can also edit the file name for the new RAR file. Check that the Archive format is set to RAR. Here, you can also adjust compression level, volume size, and other archiving parameters. Click OK to create the new RAR file. Wait while the RAR file is created. To minimize the WinRAR window during this process, click Background. ![An open WinRAR window with the Add button highlighted and a second archive name and parameters window overlaid.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-12.jpg) Once the file has been created, you’ll see the new RAR file selected in the WinRAR window. Your RAR file is automatically saved to the same folder as the original files. And that’s how you make a RAR file! If file compression is your main goal, you might also consider creating a ZIP file, which gives you similar benefits. ![An open WinRAR window with a newly created .rar file highlighted.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-13.jpg) How to convert a RAR file Sometimes the simplest compression option is to convert a RAR file into a ZIP. This helps make it more accessible for people you need to share it with because they’ll probably be able to open .zip files using their operating system’s built-in tool, or a third-party unzipper they already have installed. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select Open with \> WinZip. Click the down arrow next to Unzip to and select the folder location where you want to save the contents. Then click Unzip to start unpackaging the original .rar files. ![An open WinZip window with the down arrow highlighted in the Actions menu on the right side.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-14.jpg) Then, click the From PC or Cloud icon on the WinZip top menu ribbon, and drag and drop all the extracted files into the WinZip window. In the menu, select File \> Save As. Choose the folder location where you want to save the new ZIP file and click Save. And that’s it — your RAR file has now been converted to a ZIP file. ![A Finder window with files selected and an arrow pointing from the Finder window to an open WinZip window.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-15.jpg) Are RAR files safe to use? RAR files are usually safe to use. But just like regular files, compressed files (RAR or ZIP) can also contain [viruses](https://www.avast.com/c-computer-virus) or [malware](https://www.avast.com/c-malware). However, any virus compressed in a RAR file can’t harm your device until you extract it. The recommended way to keep your device safe is to use the [best antivirus software](https://www.avast.com/c-best-free-antivirus-software) to make sure your computer scans files to identify threats before you extract them. But RAR files themselves are very secure — quite a lot more so than many other file compression methods. That’s because they offer encryption-enabled password protection using a complex encryption protocol. However, if privacy is your top concern, you’re better off going with [7-Zip,](https://www.7-zip.org/) which uses the same bank-grade AES-256 encryption algorithm offered by the strongest [VPNs](https://www.avast.com/c-what-is-a-vpn). How to password protect a RAR file? If you want to protect your files from falling into the wrong hands, then [encrypting your RAR file with a password](https://www.avast.com/c-password-protect-file-folder-windows) can help. If you [create a strong password](https://www.avast.com/c-strong-password-ideas), prying eyes won’t even be able to see the names of the files within your RAR archive. Not only does it make your data much less susceptible to interception by [hackers](https://www.avast.com/c-hacker), but it also prevents unauthorized access via the recipient’s device. Here’s how to password protect a RAR file using WinRAR on Windows: Add your files to a new RAR archive by following steps 1 and 2 in our [how to create a RAR file instructions](https://www.avast.com/c-how-to-open-rar-files#create-rar-file) above. Click the Add icon in the top-left corner of the screen. After naming the new RAR file, click Set password. ![An open WinRAR Archive name and parameters window with Set password selected.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-16.jpg) Enter a password for the file, then re-enter the password to confirm it. Check the Encrypt file names box, then click OK. Click OK to create your RAR file, which will be password-protected. ![ A WinRAR window for creating a password with a check box to encrypt file names and the OK button highlighted.](https://www.avast.com/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-17.jpg) Unlock ultimate protection with Avast No matter where you want to create, manage, or download RAR files, you need to shield yourself from cyber threats they might be hiding. With comprehensive file scanning and malware detection, [Avast One](https://www.avast.com/avast-one) makes it easy to create and extract RAR files on any device. ![A screenshot of Avast One showing the Scan Center and other device protection features.](https://www.avast.com/hs-fs/hubfs/New_Avast_Academy/open_rar_files_academy_toolish/img-18.jpg?width=700&name=img-18.jpg) And thanks to additional features including a firewall, password protection, and an integrated VPN, you can keep hackers off your device and encrypt all the data you send and receive online for maximum privacy and security. Install Avast One today to help keep your files private and your PC, laptop, or phone virus-free. 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Shard	159 (laksa)
Root Hash	15812019090297420759
Unparsed URL	com,avast!www,/c-how-to-open-rar-files s443