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Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 42 (from laksa121)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa042.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.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files","crawl_time":1776024962,"first_indexed_time":1696579706,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,avg!www,\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files s443","src_root_hash":"11530679701213506442","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"How to Open & Extract RAR Files on a PC, Mac, or Mobile","meta_descriptions":["A RAR is a compressed archive file. Learn how to safely open & extract, convert, and create .RAR files on Windows, Mac, & mobile."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"This article contains\nWhat is a RAR file?\nA .rar file extension indicates a compressed archive file that stores one or more files and folders at a high quality and allows important information to be quickly extracted. RAR is short for Roshal Archive — named after the inventor of the file extension, Eugene Roshal.\nWhat are RAR files used for?\nRAR compressed files allow users to download, extract, or store multiple files with speedy transfer and download times. RAR files are used for tasks such as\ndownloading your data from Google\nor Facebook and storing video, audio, or image files.\nRAR also allows you to send vast, complex file directories by splitting the compressed data into multiple RAR files known as volumes.\nRAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference?\nThe main difference between RAR and ZIP files is that ZIP is more common. This is because ZIP creation is supported by most operating systems, while you can create a RAR file only using WinRAR, a proprietary third-party software.\nOf the two archive file types, RAR typically offers better compression, although compression ratios vary for RAR and ZIP depending on the file types contained in the archive.\nHere are some more differences between the two types of compressed files:\nZIP file\nRAR file\nDeveloped in 1983 by Phil Katz.\nDeveloped in 1993 by Eugene Roshal.\nAn archive file format that enables support for lossless data compression. \nAn archive file format of proprietary archive type.\nZIP files can be both created and extracted by most operating systems.\nRAR files can be created only with WinRAR software. Many free applications can extract RAR files and convert them into other archive formats.\nSeveral files can be compressed with older programs, such as DEFLATE and BZIP2.\nFiles can be compressed with modern compression algorithms.\nZIP files are usually encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Some programs, such as 7-Zip, use AES-256.\nRAR files are encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption.\nFilename extensions: .zipx and .zip\nFilename extensions: r01, .r00, .rev, .rar\nHow to open RAR files\nIf you can’t open a RAR file, it’s probably because you don’t have the right software. Windows, macOS, and other standard operating systems do not have an integrated RAR extraction tool. To open a RAR file, you need to download an app.\nHere are the most common applications that you can use to open a .rar file extension:\n7-Zip:\na free, open-source file archiver for Windows that allows files up to 16 billion GB to be compressed quickly and securely. The program has its own archive format, known as 7z, and is available for Windows PC. Download it at\n7-Zip\n.\nWinRAR:\na paid app that can split archives into individual volumes, allowing for easy storage. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, users can also get a free trial to extract and create RAR files. Download it from\nWinRAR\n.\niZip:\na free app for managing compressed files. It’s available to download from\niZip\nor the App Store, and it’s compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, and iOS devices.\nWinZip:\na paid app for large RAR and ZIP files on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It can be downloaded from\nWinZip\n, the App Store, or Google Play. For a free trial, choose the “Use Evaluation Version” option.\nThe Unarchiver:\na free app for unpacking archived files for Macs and iPads. You can download it from\nThe Unarchiver\nor the App Store.\nHow to open a RAR file on Windows\nTo open, create, compress, or extract a RAR file on a PC with Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you need special third-party software. Windows does not provide an integrated solution to “unRAR” a file, as it is a proprietary format. A common piece of software to unpack a RAR file is WinRAR.\nFollow these steps to learn how to access a RAR file with WinRAR:\nDownload and install\nWinRAR\n.\nRight-click the RAR file you want to unpack and select\nOpen with WinRAR\n.\nClick\nExtract To\n, then choose a location for the unpacked files.\nHow to open a RAR file on a Mac\nTo extract .rar files on a Mac device, you need to download and install a compatible app, like The Unarchiver.\nHere’s how to unzip a .rar file using The Unarchiver:\nDownload and install\nThe Unarchiver\n.\nOpen the app and go to\nPreferences\n.\nMake sure\nRAR Archive\nis selected in the\nArchive Formats\ntab.\nNext, select the\nExtraction\ntab and choose how you want the extracted folder to be saved: in the same folder as the archive or in a new folder. You can now close the\nPreferences\nwindow.\nRight-click the .rar file you want to open and select\nOpen With\n>\nThe Unarchiver\n.\nChoose or confirm the destination folder for your unpacked RAR files. Click\nExtract\n.\nThe RAR file has now been opened and you can access the extracted files in your chosen Mac folder.\nHow to open a RAR file on iPhone\nIf you wish to open a .rar file on your iPhone, you’ll need to install a free app, such as iZip, from the App Store.\nFollow the steps below to open a RAR file on an iPhone.\nDownload and install\niZip\n.\nFind the RAR file you want to open and tap the\niOS share\nicon. Select\niZip\nfrom the options.\nWhen asked if you wish to unzip all files, select\nOK\n.\nYou have now opened your RAR file archive. It will be in a new folder with the same name as your original file.\nHow to open a RAR file on Android\nIf you want to open a RAR file on your Android, there are many apps that can help you to do this. The most popular is WinZip.\nHere’s how to use WinZip to open a RAR file on an Android device:\nDownload and install\nWinZip\n.\nOpen\nWinZip\nby tapping the icon on your home screen. Tap\nStart\nand select the\nfree trial\noption.\nFind the RAR file you want to open. Tap the\nthree dots icon\nand select\nUnzip\nto\nfrom the list of options.\nChoose a destination folder for your extracted files then tap\nUnzip Here\n.\nYour files have now been extracted. You will find them in a new folder with the same name as the original RAR file.\nHow to convert a RAR file\nIf you can’t open a RAR file or want to share one with someone who doesn’t have the right software, you can convert the file to a more common archive type. There are multiple apps that you can use to convert your RAR file to a ZIP file.\nHere’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip:\nDownload and install\nWinZip\n.\nRight-click the RAR file you want to convert and select\nOpen with\n>\nWinZip\n.\nUnder\nActions\n, click the down arrow next to\nUnzip to\n. Choose a location to save your converted file and click\nUnzip\n.\nOpen WinZip. Drag and drop the extracted files into the WinZip window.\nClick\nFile\n>\nSave As\nand select the location where you want your converted file to be saved. Click\nSave\n.\nYou have now converted your RAR file into a ZIP file.\nHow to create a RAR file\nTo make a RAR file on Windows, you’ll need to download and pay for\nWinRAR\n. Once installed, follow these steps.\nOpen WinRAR, then use the drop-down menu to select the folder containing the files you want to compress.\nHold down the\nCtrl\nkey and select the files and folders you want to include in your RAR archive.\nClick\nAdd\n. Ensure that the\nArchive format\nis set to\nRAR\nand adjust any compression and size settings as required. You can also type in a name for your RAR file and select a destination folder.\nClick\nOK\n. To continue using your PC while you wait for the RAR file to be created, select\nBackground\n.\nOnce your file has been created, it’ll be highlighted in the WinRAR window.\nYou have now created a RAR file.\nAre RAR files safe?\nRAR files are generally safe. However, RAR files could contain\nmalware\nor\nharmful viruses\n— the same is true for any file type. Malicious code can only infect your device if the files are successfully extracted,\nso only extract data from a RAR file that you receive from a trusted source\n.\nInstalling a\nfree antivirus solution\ncan add another layer of protection by scanning files before you access them. When sending a RAR file, an antivirus tool can also help you protect your files from prying eyes and stealthy attacks, such as\nman-in-the-middle attacks\n. And, don’t forget to\npassword protect your file\nwith a\nstrong, unique password\nfor added privacy.\nHow to add a password to your RAR file\nIt’s possible to add a password to your RAR file as you create it. But once the RAR is created, you can’t add a password unless you create the file again. Here’s how to add a password to a new RAR file:\nSelect the files you want to compress in WinRAR and click\nAdd\n. Then click\nSet password\n.\nType your chosen password twice, once in each text box. Check the box named\nEncrypt file names\nand click\nOK\n.\nClick\nOK\nto create your password-protected RAR file.\nProtect your device from malicious files and other threats\nNo matter what type of file you’re working with, there’s always a chance that a virus or other malicious threat is hiding inside.\nAVG AntiVirus Free\ncan help protect your device from these dangers by scanning files for hidden threats, whether they’re attached to emails, downloaded from websites, or unpacked from a compressed file. Get award-winning online security today with AVG.","attrs_markdown":"137412615704\n\n[![AVG](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Avg\/Signal\/assets\/i\/logo\/avg-logo-rgb.png?width=102&height=42&name=avg-logo-rgb.png)](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en-ww\/homepage \"Home\")\n\n[Signal](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal)\n\n- Security\n  - [Malware](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/malware)\n  - [Viruses](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/viruses)\n  - [Ransomware](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/ransomware)\n  - [Threats](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/threats)\n  - [Security Tips](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/security-tips)\n  - [Internet](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/internet)\n  - [Scams](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/scams)\n  - [Phishing](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/phishing)\n  - [IoT](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/internet-of-things)\n  - [AVG News](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/topic\/avg-news)\n  - 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We’ve got you covered. Discover how to extract files from a RAR archive on Windows, Mac, and mobile. But before you do, install a free online security app to make sure your downloads are safe and protect your device from malicious threats that may be hiding within files.\n\n[Install free AVG Mobile Security](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz)\n\nGet it for [Mac](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/avg-antivirus-for-mac), [PC](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/free-antivirus-download) , [Android](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz)\n\n[Download AVG AntiVirus FREE](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/download-thank-you.php?variant=1606&product=freegsr)\n\nGet it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal), [iOS](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/avg-antivirus-for-mac)\n\n[Download AVG AntiVirus FREE](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=AVM)\n\nGet it for [iOS](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal), [PC](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/free-antivirus-download)\n\n[Install free AVG AntiVirus](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal)\n\nGet it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/free-antivirus-download), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/avg-antivirus-for-mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz)\n\n![av\\_comparatives](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/2025_q2_awards\/award_48487_3032117_stars3%20\\(1\\).png)\n\n2025  \n**Advanced+**\n\n![av\\_test](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/2025_q2_awards\/avtest_certified_homeuser_2025-02%20\\(2\\).png)\n\n2025  \n**Top Rated Product**\n\n![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Avg\/Signal\/assets\/i\/logo\/avg-dark.svg)\n\n![Signal-How-To-Open-Create-and-Convert-RAR-Files-Hero](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/Signal-How-To-Open-Create-and-Convert-RAR-Files-Hero.jpg?width=1200&name=Signal-How-To-Open-Create-and-Convert-RAR-Files-Hero.jpg)\n***\nCopy article link\n\nLink copied ![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Avg\/Signal\/assets\/i\/helpers\/check.svg)\n\nWritten by\n\nEllie Farrier\n\nPublished on October 6, 2023\n\nThis article contains\n\nThis article contains\n\n- [What is a RAR file?](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1)\n- [How to open RAR files](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2)\n- [How to convert a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3)\n- [How to create a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4)\n- [Are RAR files safe?](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5)\n- [Protect your device from malicious files and other threats](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6)\n\n## What is a RAR file?\nA .rar file extension indicates a compressed archive file that stores one or more files and folders at a high quality and allows important information to be quickly extracted. RAR is short for Roshal Archive — named after the inventor of the file extension, Eugene Roshal.\n\n### What are RAR files used for?\nRAR compressed files allow users to download, extract, or store multiple files with speedy transfer and download times. RAR files are used for tasks such as [downloading your data from Google](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-download-google-data) or Facebook and storing video, audio, or image files.\n\nRAR also allows you to send vast, complex file directories by splitting the compressed data into multiple RAR files known as volumes.\n\n### RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference?\nThe main difference between RAR and ZIP files is that ZIP is more common. This is because ZIP creation is supported by most operating systems, while you can create a RAR file only using WinRAR, a proprietary third-party software.\n\nOf the two archive file types, RAR typically offers better compression, although compression ratios vary for RAR and ZIP depending on the file types contained in the archive.\n\nHere are some more differences between the two types of compressed files:\n\n|   |   |\n|---|---|\n| **ZIP file** | **RAR file** |\n| Developed in 1983 by Phil Katz. | Developed in 1993 by Eugene Roshal. |\n| An archive file format that enables support for lossless data compression. | An archive file format of proprietary archive type. |\n| ZIP files can be both created and extracted by most operating systems. | RAR files can be created only with WinRAR software. Many free applications can extract RAR files and convert them into other archive formats. |\n| Several files can be compressed with older programs, such as DEFLATE and BZIP2. | Files can be compressed with modern compression algorithms. |\n| ZIP files are usually encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Some programs, such as 7-Zip, use AES-256. | RAR files are encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. |\n| Filename extensions: .zipx and .zip | Filename extensions: r01, .r00, .rev, .rar |\n## How to open RAR files\nIf you can’t open a RAR file, it’s probably because you don’t have the right software. Windows, macOS, and other standard operating systems do not have an integrated RAR extraction tool. To open a RAR file, you need to download an app.\n\nHere are the most common applications that you can use to open a .rar file extension:\n\n- **7-Zip:** a free, open-source file archiver for Windows that allows files up to 16 billion GB to be compressed quickly and securely. The program has its own archive format, known as 7z, and is available for Windows PC. Download it at [7-Zip](https:\/\/www.7-zip.org\/).\n- **WinRAR:** a paid app that can split archives into individual volumes, allowing for easy storage. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, users can also get a free trial to extract and create RAR files. Download it from [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/).\n- **iZip:** a free app for managing compressed files. It’s available to download from [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/) or the App Store, and it’s compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, and iOS devices.\n- **WinZip:** a paid app for large RAR and ZIP files on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It can be downloaded from [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/en\/), the App Store, or Google Play. For a free trial, choose the “Use Evaluation Version” option.\n- **The Unarchiver:** a free app for unpacking archived files for Macs and iPads. You can download it from [The Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/) or the App Store.\n### How to open a RAR file on Windows\nTo open, create, compress, or extract a RAR file on a PC with Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you need special third-party software. Windows does not provide an integrated solution to “unRAR” a file, as it is a proprietary format. A common piece of software to unpack a RAR file is WinRAR.\n\nFollow these steps to learn how to access a RAR file with WinRAR:\n\n1. Download and install [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/).\n   ![Installation window for WinRAR 6.11 to install archiver on Windows 10](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-01.png?width=450&height=421&name=img-01.png)\n2. Right-click the RAR file you want to unpack and select **Open with WinRAR**.\n   ![RAR icon with a Windows menu highlighted to show the option Open with WinRAR](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-02.jpg?width=650&height=453&name=img-02.jpg)\n3. Click **Extract To**, then choose a location for the unpacked files.\n   ![WinRAR application screen with an open .rar file and the Extract To button highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-03.jpg?width=833&height=367&name=img-03.jpg)\n### How to open a RAR file on a Mac\nTo extract .rar files on a Mac device, you need to download and install a compatible app, like The Unarchiver.\n\nHere’s how to unzip a .rar file using The Unarchiver:\n\n1. Download and install [The Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/).\n2. Open the app and go to **Preferences**.\n3. Make sure **RAR Archive** is selected in the **Archive Formats** tab.\n   ![The preferences screen for The Unarchiver app on Mac with the RAR Archive extraction option selected](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-04.png?width=1326&height=939&name=img-04.png)\n4. Next, select the **Extraction** tab and choose how you want the extracted folder to be saved: in the same folder as the archive or in a new folder. You can now close the **Preferences** window.\n   ![In the Extraction tab of The Unarchiver preferences screen with \"Ask for destination folder\" highlighted in the \"Extract archives to\" menu](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-05.png?width=1297&height=916&name=img-05.png)\n5. Right-click the .rar file you want to open and select **Open With**\\>**The Unarchiver**.\n   ![ A RAR file with right-click menu open and \"Open With\" then \"The Unarchiver\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-06.png?width=892&height=802&name=img-06.png)\n6. Choose or confirm the destination folder for your unpacked RAR files. Click **Extract**.\n   ![File directory view on Mac showing where a RAR file will be extracted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-07.jpg?width=900&height=602&name=img-07.jpg)\n\nThe RAR file has now been opened and you can access the extracted files in your chosen Mac folder.\n\n### How to open a RAR file on iPhone\nIf you wish to open a .rar file on your iPhone, you’ll need to install a free app, such as iZip, from the App Store.\n\nFollow the steps below to open a RAR file on an iPhone.\n\n1. Download and install [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/).\n2. Find the RAR file you want to open and tap the **iOS share** icon. Select **iZip** from the options.\n   ![ A .rar file with the share icon selected and the iZip app highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-08.jpg?width=800&height=834&name=img-08.jpg)\n3. When asked if you wish to unzip all files, select **OK**.\n   ![An open .rar file in iZip iOS app with a highlighted prompt to confirm extraction](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-09.jpg?width=350&height=670&name=img-09.jpg)\n\nYou have now opened your RAR file archive. It will be in a new folder with the same name as your original file.\n\n### How to open a RAR file on Android\nIf you want to open a RAR file on your Android, there are many apps that can help you to do this. The most popular is WinZip.\n\nHere’s how to use WinZip to open a RAR file on an Android device:\n\n1. Download and install [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/en\/).\n2. Open **WinZip** by tapping the icon on your home screen. Tap **Start** and select the **free trial** option.\n   ![Three Android screens of the WinZip app showing the app menu, the start button and a \"Try free for 3 days\" button](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-10.jpg?width=1000&height=689&name=img-10.jpg)\n3. Find the RAR file you want to open. Tap the **three dots icon** and select **Unzip****to** from the list of options.\n   ![RAR file with the three-dot icon highlighted and \"Unzip to...\" highlighted in the actions menu](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-11.jpg?width=800&height=796&name=img-11.jpg)\n4. Choose a destination folder for your extracted files then tap **Unzip Here**.\n   ![WinZip app screen on Android phone showing storage locations and the \"Unzip Here\" button highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-12.jpg?width=350&height=653&name=img-12.jpg)\n\nYour files have now been extracted. You will find them in a new folder with the same name as the original RAR file.\n\n## How to convert a RAR file\nIf you can’t open a RAR file or want to share one with someone who doesn’t have the right software, you can convert the file to a more common archive type. There are multiple apps that you can use to convert your RAR file to a ZIP file.\n\nHere’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip:\n\n1. Download and install [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/en\/).\n2. Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select **Open with**\\>**WinZip**.\n   ![A .rar file with the right-click menu open and \"WinZip\" then \"Open with\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-13.jpg?width=550&height=664&name=img-13.jpg)\n3. Under **Actions**, click the down arrow next to **Unzip to**. Choose a location to save your converted file and click **Unzip**.\n   ![An open RAR file showing the \"Unzip to\" dropdown menu highlighted in the action toolbar](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-14.jpg?width=900&height=543&name=img-14.jpg)\n4. Open WinZip. Drag and drop the extracted files into the WinZip window.\n   ![PC screen showing highlighted files in a directory with an arrow pointing to a WinZip file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-15.jpg?width=1000&height=508&name=img-15.jpg)\n5. Click **File**\\>**Save As** and select the location where you want your converted file to be saved. Click **Save**.\n   ![Saving a converted RAR file in WinZip.](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-16.jpg?width=550&height=621&name=img-16.jpg)\n\nYou have now converted your RAR file into a ZIP file.\n\n## How to create a RAR file\nTo make a RAR file on Windows, you’ll need to download and pay for [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/). Once installed, follow these steps.\n\n1. Open WinRAR, then use the drop-down menu to select the folder containing the files you want to compress.\n2. Hold down the **Ctrl** key and select the files and folders you want to include in your RAR archive.\n   ![A WinRar screen showing highlighted files that are selected for compression into a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-17.jpg?width=845&height=438&name=img-17.jpg)\n3. Click **Add**. Ensure that the **Archive format** is set to **RAR** and adjust any compression and size settings as required. You can also type in a name for your RAR file and select a destination folder.\n4. Click **OK**. To continue using your PC while you wait for the RAR file to be created, select **Background**.\n   ![WinZip screen with \"Add\" highlighted and the compression settings with \"Archive format\" and \"OK\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-18.jpg?width=836&height=500&name=img-18.jpg)\n5. Once your file has been created, it’ll be highlighted in the WinRAR window.\n   ![WinZip showing a file directory with a new RAR file highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-19.png?width=830&height=424&name=img-19.png)\n\nYou have now created a RAR file.\n\n## Are RAR files safe?\nRAR files are generally safe. However, RAR files could contain [malware](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/what-is-malware) or [harmful viruses](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/what-is-a-computer-virus) — the same is true for any file type. Malicious code can only infect your device if the files are successfully extracted, **so only extract data from a RAR file that you receive from a trusted source**.\n\nInstalling a [free antivirus solution](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/best-free-antivirus-software) can add another layer of protection by scanning files before you access them. When sending a RAR file, an antivirus tool can also help you protect your files from prying eyes and stealthy attacks, such as [man-in-the-middle attacks](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/man-in-the-middle-attack). And, don’t forget to [password protect your file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-password-protect-file-folder-in-windows) with a [strong, unique password](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-create-a-strong-password-that-you-wont-forget) for added privacy.\n\n### How to add a password to your RAR file\nIt’s possible to add a password to your RAR file as you create it. But once the RAR is created, you can’t add a password unless you create the file again. Here’s how to add a password to a new RAR file:\n\n1. Select the files you want to compress in WinRAR and click **Add**. Then click **Set password**.\n   ![WinZip screen compression settings with \"Set password\" button highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-20.jpg?width=526&height=501&name=img-20.jpg)\n2. Type your chosen password twice, once in each text box. Check the box named **Encrypt file names** and click **OK**.\n   ![A WinRAR window for setting a password with the \"Encrypt file names\" tickbox and \"OK\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-21.jpg?width=406&height=448&name=img-21.jpg)\n3. Click **OK** to create your password-protected RAR file.\n   ![The compression settings menu on WinRAR with \"OK\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-22.jpg?width=528&height=505&name=img-22.jpg)\n## Protect your device from malicious files and other threats\nNo matter what type of file you’re working with, there’s always a chance that a virus or other malicious threat is hiding inside. [AVG AntiVirus Free](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/free-antivirus-download) can help protect your device from these dangers by scanning files for hidden threats, whether they’re attached to emails, downloaded from websites, or unpacked from a compressed file. 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Get comprehensive online security.\n\n[Free download](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/download-thank-you.php?variant=1606&product=freegsr)\n\nGet it for [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal), [iOS](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/avg-antivirus-for-mac)\n\n![AVG](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Avg\/Signal\/assets\/i\/logo\/avg-logo.svg)\n\n#### Protect Your Mac From Harmful Files\nDownload [AVG AntiVirus FREE](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/avg-antivirus-for-mac) to keep dangerous files and downloads off your computer. Get comprehensive online security.\n\n[Free download](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/download-thank-you.php?product=AVM)\n\nGet it for [iOS](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz), [Android](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal), [PC](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/free-antivirus-download)\n\n![AVG](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Avg\/Signal\/assets\/i\/logo\/avg-logo.svg)\n\n#### Protect Your Phone From Harmful Files\nInstall free [AVG AntiVirus](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/antivirus-for-android) for Android to keep dangerous files and downloads off your phone. Get comprehensive online security.\n\n[Free install](https:\/\/play.google.com\/store\/apps\/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal)\n\nGet it for [PC](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/free-antivirus-download), [Mac](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/avg-antivirus-for-mac), [iOS](https:\/\/avg.sng.link\/Djkjd\/lbkj\/2etz)\n\nThis article contains:\n\n- [What is a RAR file?](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1)\n- [How to open RAR files](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2)\n- [How to convert a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3)\n- [How to create a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4)\n- [Are RAR files safe?](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5)\n- [Protect your device from malicious files and other threats](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6)\n\n![]()\n\n## More Security Articles\n1\/12\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/is_my_phone_listening_to_me_signal\/signal-is-my-phone-listening-thumb.jpg) Is My Phone Listening to Me?](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/is-my-phone-listening)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/is_discord_safe_signal\/signal-is-discord-safe-thumb.jpg) Is Discord Safe? Risks, Privacy Concerns, and Security Tips](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/is-discord-safe)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/what_is_biometric_data_and_how_is_it_used_signal\/Signal-What-Is-Biometric-Data-and-How-Is-It-Used-Thumb.jpg) What Is Biometric Data and How Is It Used?](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/what-is-biometric-data)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/how_to_turn_safe_mode_on_and_off_on_android_signal\/Signal-Android-Safe-Mode-Thumb.jpg) Android Safe Mode: How to Turn It Off and On](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/turn-safe-mode-on-off-android)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/what_is_a_firewall_signal\/Signal-Firewalls-Explained-Thumb.jpg) Firewalls Explained: Definition, Purpose, and Types](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/what-is-a-firewall)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/block_spam_calls_signal\/Signal-How-to-Block-Spam-Calls-on-Your-Phones-Thumb.jpg) How to Block Spam Calls on Your iPhone, Android, or Landline](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-block-spam-calls)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/what_is_a_honeypot_signal\/Signal-What-Is-a-Honeypot-Thumb.jpg) What Is a Honeypot? Cybersecurity Traps Explained](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/what-is-a-honeypot)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/what_to_do_if_you_lose_your_phone_with_google_authenticator_on_it_signal\/Signal-What-to-Do-if-You-Lose-Your-Phone-With-Google-Authenticator-on-It-Thumb.jpg) What to Do If You Lose Your Phone With Google Authenticator on It](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/lost-phone-google-authenticator)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/Signal-How-To-Open-Create-and-Convert-RAR-Files-Thumb.jpg) How To Open, Create, and Convert RAR Files](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-open-rar-files)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/what_is_a_security_breach_signal\/Signal-What-Is-a-Security-Breach-and-How-to-Protect-Against-It-Thumb.jpg) What Is a Security Breach and How to Protect Against It](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/security-breach-meaning-examples)\n\n[![](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/is_venmo_safe_signal\/Signal-Is-Venmo-Safe-for-Online-Payments-Thumb.jpg) What Is Venmo? 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All rights reserved.\n\nWe use cookies and similar technologies to recognize your repeat visits and preferences, to measure the effectiveness of campaigns, and improve our websites. For settings and more information about cookies, view our [Cookie Policy](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/privacy-policy#cookies). By clicking “I accept” on this banner or using our site, you consent to the use of cookies.\n\nI ACCEPT","attrs_readable_markdown":"This article contains\n\nWhat is a RAR file? A .rar file extension indicates a compressed archive file that stores one or more files and folders at a high quality and allows important information to be quickly extracted. RAR is short for Roshal Archive — named after the inventor of the file extension, Eugene Roshal. What are RAR files used for? RAR compressed files allow users to download, extract, or store multiple files with speedy transfer and download times. RAR files are used for tasks such as [downloading your data from Google](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-download-google-data) or Facebook and storing video, audio, or image files. RAR also allows you to send vast, complex file directories by splitting the compressed data into multiple RAR files known as volumes. RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The main difference between RAR and ZIP files is that ZIP is more common. This is because ZIP creation is supported by most operating systems, while you can create a RAR file only using WinRAR, a proprietary third-party software. Of the two archive file types, RAR typically offers better compression, although compression ratios vary for RAR and ZIP depending on the file types contained in the archive. Here are some more differences between the two types of compressed files:     **ZIP file** **RAR file** Developed in 1983 by Phil Katz. Developed in 1993 by Eugene Roshal. An archive file format that enables support for lossless data compression. An archive file format of proprietary archive type. ZIP files can be both created and extracted by most operating systems. RAR files can be created only with WinRAR software. Many free applications can extract RAR files and convert them into other archive formats. Several files can be compressed with older programs, such as DEFLATE and BZIP2. Files can be compressed with modern compression algorithms. ZIP files are usually encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Some programs, such as 7-Zip, use AES-256. RAR files are encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Filename extensions: .zipx and .zip Filename extensions: r01, .r00, .rev, .rar How to open RAR files If you can’t open a RAR file, it’s probably because you don’t have the right software. Windows, macOS, and other standard operating systems do not have an integrated RAR extraction tool. To open a RAR file, you need to download an app. Here are the most common applications that you can use to open a .rar file extension: **7-Zip:** a free, open-source file archiver for Windows that allows files up to 16 billion GB to be compressed quickly and securely. The program has its own archive format, known as 7z, and is available for Windows PC. Download it at [7-Zip](https:\/\/www.7-zip.org\/). **WinRAR:** a paid app that can split archives into individual volumes, allowing for easy storage. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, users can also get a free trial to extract and create RAR files. Download it from [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/). **iZip:** a free app for managing compressed files. It’s available to download from [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/) or the App Store, and it’s compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, and iOS devices. **WinZip:** a paid app for large RAR and ZIP files on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It can be downloaded from [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/en\/), the App Store, or Google Play. For a free trial, choose the “Use Evaluation Version” option. **The Unarchiver:** a free app for unpacking archived files for Macs and iPads. You can download it from [The Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/) or the App Store. How to open a RAR file on Windows To open, create, compress, or extract a RAR file on a PC with Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you need special third-party software. Windows does not provide an integrated solution to “unRAR” a file, as it is a proprietary format. A common piece of software to unpack a RAR file is WinRAR. Follow these steps to learn how to access a RAR file with WinRAR: Download and install [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/). ![Installation window for WinRAR 6.11 to install archiver on Windows 10](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-01.png?width=450&height=421&name=img-01.png) Right-click the RAR file you want to unpack and select **Open with WinRAR**. ![RAR icon with a Windows menu highlighted to show the option Open with WinRAR](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-02.jpg?width=650&height=453&name=img-02.jpg) Click **Extract To**, then choose a location for the unpacked files. ![WinRAR application screen with an open .rar file and the Extract To button highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-03.jpg?width=833&height=367&name=img-03.jpg) How to open a RAR file on a Mac To extract .rar files on a Mac device, you need to download and install a compatible app, like The Unarchiver. Here’s how to unzip a .rar file using The Unarchiver: Download and install [The Unarchiver](https:\/\/www.theunarchiver.com\/). Open the app and go to **Preferences**. Make sure **RAR Archive** is selected in the **Archive Formats** tab. ![The preferences screen for The Unarchiver app on Mac with the RAR Archive extraction option selected](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-04.png?width=1326&height=939&name=img-04.png) Next, select the **Extraction** tab and choose how you want the extracted folder to be saved: in the same folder as the archive or in a new folder. You can now close the **Preferences** window. ![In the Extraction tab of The Unarchiver preferences screen with \"Ask for destination folder\" highlighted in the \"Extract archives to\" menu](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-05.png?width=1297&height=916&name=img-05.png) Right-click the .rar file you want to open and select **Open With**\\>**The Unarchiver**. ![ A RAR file with right-click menu open and \"Open With\" then \"The Unarchiver\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-06.png?width=892&height=802&name=img-06.png) Choose or confirm the destination folder for your unpacked RAR files. Click **Extract**. ![File directory view on Mac showing where a RAR file will be extracted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-07.jpg?width=900&height=602&name=img-07.jpg) The RAR file has now been opened and you can access the extracted files in your chosen Mac folder. How to open a RAR file on iPhone If you wish to open a .rar file on your iPhone, you’ll need to install a free app, such as iZip, from the App Store. Follow the steps below to open a RAR file on an iPhone. Download and install [iZip](https:\/\/www.izip.com\/). Find the RAR file you want to open and tap the **iOS share** icon. Select **iZip** from the options. ![ A .rar file with the share icon selected and the iZip app highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-08.jpg?width=800&height=834&name=img-08.jpg) When asked if you wish to unzip all files, select **OK**. ![An open .rar file in iZip iOS app with a highlighted prompt to confirm extraction](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-09.jpg?width=350&height=670&name=img-09.jpg) You have now opened your RAR file archive. It will be in a new folder with the same name as your original file. How to open a RAR file on Android If you want to open a RAR file on your Android, there are many apps that can help you to do this. The most popular is WinZip. Here’s how to use WinZip to open a RAR file on an Android device: Download and install [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/en\/). Open **WinZip** by tapping the icon on your home screen. Tap **Start** and select the **free trial** option. ![Three Android screens of the WinZip app showing the app menu, the start button and a \"Try free for 3 days\" button](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-10.jpg?width=1000&height=689&name=img-10.jpg) Find the RAR file you want to open. Tap the **three dots icon** and select **Unzip****to** from the list of options. ![RAR file with the three-dot icon highlighted and \"Unzip to...\" highlighted in the actions menu](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-11.jpg?width=800&height=796&name=img-11.jpg) Choose a destination folder for your extracted files then tap **Unzip Here**. ![WinZip app screen on Android phone showing storage locations and the \"Unzip Here\" button highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-12.jpg?width=350&height=653&name=img-12.jpg) Your files have now been extracted. You will find them in a new folder with the same name as the original RAR file. How to convert a RAR file If you can’t open a RAR file or want to share one with someone who doesn’t have the right software, you can convert the file to a more common archive type. There are multiple apps that you can use to convert your RAR file to a ZIP file. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: Download and install [WinZip](https:\/\/www.winzip.com\/en\/). Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select **Open with**\\>**WinZip**. ![A .rar file with the right-click menu open and \"WinZip\" then \"Open with\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-13.jpg?width=550&height=664&name=img-13.jpg) Under **Actions**, click the down arrow next to **Unzip to**. Choose a location to save your converted file and click **Unzip**. ![An open RAR file showing the \"Unzip to\" dropdown menu highlighted in the action toolbar](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-14.jpg?width=900&height=543&name=img-14.jpg) Open WinZip. Drag and drop the extracted files into the WinZip window. ![PC screen showing highlighted files in a directory with an arrow pointing to a WinZip file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-15.jpg?width=1000&height=508&name=img-15.jpg) Click **File**\\>**Save As** and select the location where you want your converted file to be saved. Click **Save**. ![Saving a converted RAR file in WinZip.](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-16.jpg?width=550&height=621&name=img-16.jpg) You have now converted your RAR file into a ZIP file. How to create a RAR file To make a RAR file on Windows, you’ll need to download and pay for [WinRAR](https:\/\/www.win-rar.com\/). Once installed, follow these steps. Open WinRAR, then use the drop-down menu to select the folder containing the files you want to compress. Hold down the **Ctrl** key and select the files and folders you want to include in your RAR archive. ![A WinRar screen showing highlighted files that are selected for compression into a RAR file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-17.jpg?width=845&height=438&name=img-17.jpg) Click **Add**. Ensure that the **Archive format** is set to **RAR** and adjust any compression and size settings as required. You can also type in a name for your RAR file and select a destination folder. Click **OK**. To continue using your PC while you wait for the RAR file to be created, select **Background**. ![WinZip screen with \"Add\" highlighted and the compression settings with \"Archive format\" and \"OK\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-18.jpg?width=836&height=500&name=img-18.jpg) Once your file has been created, it’ll be highlighted in the WinRAR window. ![WinZip showing a file directory with a new RAR file highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-19.png?width=830&height=424&name=img-19.png) You have now created a RAR file. Are RAR files safe? RAR files are generally safe. However, RAR files could contain [malware](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/what-is-malware) or [harmful viruses](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/what-is-a-computer-virus) — the same is true for any file type. Malicious code can only infect your device if the files are successfully extracted, **so only extract data from a RAR file that you receive from a trusted source**. Installing a [free antivirus solution](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/best-free-antivirus-software) can add another layer of protection by scanning files before you access them. When sending a RAR file, an antivirus tool can also help you protect your files from prying eyes and stealthy attacks, such as [man-in-the-middle attacks](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/man-in-the-middle-attack). And, don’t forget to [password protect your file](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-password-protect-file-folder-in-windows) with a [strong, unique password](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/en\/signal\/how-to-create-a-strong-password-that-you-wont-forget) for added privacy. How to add a password to your RAR file It’s possible to add a password to your RAR file as you create it. But once the RAR is created, you can’t add a password unless you create the file again. Here’s how to add a password to a new RAR file: Select the files you want to compress in WinRAR and click **Add**. Then click **Set password**. ![WinZip screen compression settings with \"Set password\" button highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-20.jpg?width=526&height=501&name=img-20.jpg) Type your chosen password twice, once in each text box. Check the box named **Encrypt file names** and click **OK**. ![A WinRAR window for setting a password with the \"Encrypt file names\" tickbox and \"OK\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-21.jpg?width=406&height=448&name=img-21.jpg) Click **OK** to create your password-protected RAR file. ![The compression settings menu on WinRAR with \"OK\" highlighted](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/hs-fs\/hubfs\/Blog_Content\/Avg\/Signal\/AVG%20Signal%20Images\/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal\/img-22.jpg?width=528&height=505&name=img-22.jpg) Protect your device from malicious files and other threats No matter what type of file you’re working with, there’s always a chance that a virus or other malicious threat is hiding inside. [AVG AntiVirus Free](https:\/\/www.avg.com\/free-antivirus-download) can help protect your device from these dangers by scanning files for hidden threats, whether they’re attached to emails, downloaded from websites, or unpacked from a compressed file. Get award-winning online security today with AVG.","meta_canonical":null}

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Boilerpipe Text	This article contains What is a RAR file? A .rar file extension indicates a compressed archive file that stores one or more files and folders at a high quality and allows important information to be quickly extracted. RAR is short for Roshal Archive — named after the inventor of the file extension, Eugene Roshal. What are RAR files used for? RAR compressed files allow users to download, extract, or store multiple files with speedy transfer and download times. RAR files are used for tasks such as downloading your data from Google or Facebook and storing video, audio, or image files. RAR also allows you to send vast, complex file directories by splitting the compressed data into multiple RAR files known as volumes. RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The main difference between RAR and ZIP files is that ZIP is more common. This is because ZIP creation is supported by most operating systems, while you can create a RAR file only using WinRAR, a proprietary third-party software. Of the two archive file types, RAR typically offers better compression, although compression ratios vary for RAR and ZIP depending on the file types contained in the archive. Here are some more differences between the two types of compressed files: ZIP file RAR file Developed in 1983 by Phil Katz. Developed in 1993 by Eugene Roshal. An archive file format that enables support for lossless data compression. An archive file format of proprietary archive type. ZIP files can be both created and extracted by most operating systems. RAR files can be created only with WinRAR software. Many free applications can extract RAR files and convert them into other archive formats. Several files can be compressed with older programs, such as DEFLATE and BZIP2. Files can be compressed with modern compression algorithms. ZIP files are usually encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Some programs, such as 7-Zip, use AES-256. RAR files are encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Filename extensions: .zipx and .zip Filename extensions: r01, .r00, .rev, .rar How to open RAR files If you can’t open a RAR file, it’s probably because you don’t have the right software. Windows, macOS, and other standard operating systems do not have an integrated RAR extraction tool. To open a RAR file, you need to download an app. Here are the most common applications that you can use to open a .rar file extension: 7-Zip: a free, open-source file archiver for Windows that allows files up to 16 billion GB to be compressed quickly and securely. The program has its own archive format, known as 7z, and is available for Windows PC. Download it at 7-Zip . WinRAR: a paid app that can split archives into individual volumes, allowing for easy storage. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, users can also get a free trial to extract and create RAR files. Download it from WinRAR . iZip: a free app for managing compressed files. It’s available to download from iZip or the App Store, and it’s compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, and iOS devices. WinZip: a paid app for large RAR and ZIP files on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It can be downloaded from WinZip , the App Store, or Google Play. For a free trial, choose the “Use Evaluation Version” option. The Unarchiver: a free app for unpacking archived files for Macs and iPads. You can download it from The Unarchiver or the App Store. How to open a RAR file on Windows To open, create, compress, or extract a RAR file on a PC with Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you need special third-party software. Windows does not provide an integrated solution to “unRAR” a file, as it is a proprietary format. A common piece of software to unpack a RAR file is WinRAR. Follow these steps to learn how to access a RAR file with WinRAR: Download and install WinRAR . Right-click the RAR file you want to unpack and select Open with WinRAR . Click Extract To , then choose a location for the unpacked files. How to open a RAR file on a Mac To extract .rar files on a Mac device, you need to download and install a compatible app, like The Unarchiver. Here’s how to unzip a .rar file using The Unarchiver: Download and install The Unarchiver . Open the app and go to Preferences . Make sure RAR Archive is selected in the Archive Formats tab. Next, select the Extraction tab and choose how you want the extracted folder to be saved: in the same folder as the archive or in a new folder. You can now close the Preferences window. Right-click the .rar file you want to open and select Open With > The Unarchiver . Choose or confirm the destination folder for your unpacked RAR files. Click Extract . The RAR file has now been opened and you can access the extracted files in your chosen Mac folder. How to open a RAR file on iPhone If you wish to open a .rar file on your iPhone, you’ll need to install a free app, such as iZip, from the App Store. Follow the steps below to open a RAR file on an iPhone. Download and install iZip . Find the RAR file you want to open and tap the iOS share icon. Select iZip from the options. When asked if you wish to unzip all files, select OK . You have now opened your RAR file archive. It will be in a new folder with the same name as your original file. How to open a RAR file on Android If you want to open a RAR file on your Android, there are many apps that can help you to do this. The most popular is WinZip. Here’s how to use WinZip to open a RAR file on an Android device: Download and install WinZip . Open WinZip by tapping the icon on your home screen. Tap Start and select the free trial option. Find the RAR file you want to open. Tap the three dots icon and select Unzip to from the list of options. Choose a destination folder for your extracted files then tap Unzip Here . Your files have now been extracted. You will find them in a new folder with the same name as the original RAR file. How to convert a RAR file If you can’t open a RAR file or want to share one with someone who doesn’t have the right software, you can convert the file to a more common archive type. There are multiple apps that you can use to convert your RAR file to a ZIP file. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: Download and install WinZip . Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select Open with > WinZip . Under Actions , click the down arrow next to Unzip to . Choose a location to save your converted file and click Unzip . Open WinZip. Drag and drop the extracted files into the WinZip window. Click File > Save As and select the location where you want your converted file to be saved. Click Save . You have now converted your RAR file into a ZIP file. How to create a RAR file To make a RAR file on Windows, you’ll need to download and pay for WinRAR . Once installed, follow these steps. Open WinRAR, then use the drop-down menu to select the folder containing the files you want to compress. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the files and folders you want to include in your RAR archive. Click Add . Ensure that the Archive format is set to RAR and adjust any compression and size settings as required. You can also type in a name for your RAR file and select a destination folder. Click OK . To continue using your PC while you wait for the RAR file to be created, select Background . Once your file has been created, it’ll be highlighted in the WinRAR window. You have now created a RAR file. Are RAR files safe? RAR files are generally safe. However, RAR files could contain malware or harmful viruses — the same is true for any file type. Malicious code can only infect your device if the files are successfully extracted, so only extract data from a RAR file that you receive from a trusted source . Installing a free antivirus solution can add another layer of protection by scanning files before you access them. When sending a RAR file, an antivirus tool can also help you protect your files from prying eyes and stealthy attacks, such as man-in-the-middle attacks . And, don’t forget to password protect your file with a strong, unique password for added privacy. How to add a password to your RAR file It’s possible to add a password to your RAR file as you create it. But once the RAR is created, you can’t add a password unless you create the file again. Here’s how to add a password to a new RAR file: Select the files you want to compress in WinRAR and click Add . Then click Set password . Type your chosen password twice, once in each text box. Check the box named Encrypt file names and click OK . Click OK to create your password-protected RAR file. Protect your device from malicious files and other threats No matter what type of file you’re working with, there’s always a chance that a virus or other malicious threat is hiding inside. AVG AntiVirus Free can help protect your device from these dangers by scanning files for hidden threats, whether they’re attached to emails, downloaded from websites, or unpacked from a compressed file. Get award-winning online security today with AVG.
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We’ve got you covered. Discover how to extract files from a RAR archive on Windows, Mac, and mobile. But before you do, install a free online security app to make sure your downloads are safe and protect your device from malicious threats that may be hiding within files. [Install free AVG Mobile Security](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz) Get it for [Mac](https://www.avg.com/avg-antivirus-for-mac), [PC](https://www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download) , [Android](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz) [Download AVG AntiVirus FREE](https://www.avg.com/download-thank-you.php?variant=1606&product=freegsr) Get it for [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal), [iOS](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz), [Mac](https://www.avg.com/avg-antivirus-for-mac) [Download AVG AntiVirus FREE](https://www.avg.com/download-thank-you.php?product=AVM) Get it for [iOS](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal), [PC](https://www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download) [Install free AVG AntiVirus](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal) Get it for [PC](https://www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download), [Mac](https://www.avg.com/avg-antivirus-for-mac), [iOS](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz) ![av\_comparatives](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/2025_q2_awards/award_48487_3032117_stars3%20\(1\).png) 2025 Advanced+ ![av\_test](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/2025_q2_awards/avtest_certified_homeuser_2025-02%20\(2\).png) 2025 Top Rated Product ![](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Avg/Signal/assets/i/logo/avg-dark.svg) ![Signal-How-To-Open-Create-and-Convert-RAR-Files-Hero](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/Signal-How-To-Open-Create-and-Convert-RAR-Files-Hero.jpg?width=1200&name=Signal-How-To-Open-Create-and-Convert-RAR-Files-Hero.jpg) * Copy article link Link copied ![](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Avg/Signal/assets/i/helpers/check.svg) Written by Ellie Farrier Published on October 6, 2023 This article contains This article contains - [What is a RAR file?](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1) - [How to open RAR files](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2) - [How to convert a RAR file](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3) - [How to create a RAR file](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4) - [Are RAR files safe?](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5) - [Protect your device from malicious files and other threats](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6) ## What is a RAR file? A .rar file extension indicates a compressed archive file that stores one or more files and folders at a high quality and allows important information to be quickly extracted. RAR is short for Roshal Archive — named after the inventor of the file extension, Eugene Roshal. ### What are RAR files used for? RAR compressed files allow users to download, extract, or store multiple files with speedy transfer and download times. RAR files are used for tasks such as [downloading your data from Google](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-download-google-data) or Facebook and storing video, audio, or image files. RAR also allows you to send vast, complex file directories by splitting the compressed data into multiple RAR files known as volumes. ### RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The main difference between RAR and ZIP files is that ZIP is more common. This is because ZIP creation is supported by most operating systems, while you can create a RAR file only using WinRAR, a proprietary third-party software. Of the two archive file types, RAR typically offers better compression, although compression ratios vary for RAR and ZIP depending on the file types contained in the archive. Here are some more differences between the two types of compressed files: \| \| \| \|---\|---\| \| ZIP file \| RAR file \| \| Developed in 1983 by Phil Katz. \| Developed in 1993 by Eugene Roshal. \| \| An archive file format that enables support for lossless data compression. \| An archive file format of proprietary archive type. \| \| ZIP files can be both created and extracted by most operating systems. \| RAR files can be created only with WinRAR software. Many free applications can extract RAR files and convert them into other archive formats. \| \| Several files can be compressed with older programs, such as DEFLATE and BZIP2. \| Files can be compressed with modern compression algorithms. \| \| ZIP files are usually encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Some programs, such as 7-Zip, use AES-256. \| RAR files are encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. \| \| Filename extensions: .zipx and .zip \| Filename extensions: r01, .r00, .rev, .rar \| ## How to open RAR files If you can’t open a RAR file, it’s probably because you don’t have the right software. Windows, macOS, and other standard operating systems do not have an integrated RAR extraction tool. To open a RAR file, you need to download an app. Here are the most common applications that you can use to open a .rar file extension: - 7-Zip: a free, open-source file archiver for Windows that allows files up to 16 billion GB to be compressed quickly and securely. The program has its own archive format, known as 7z, and is available for Windows PC. Download it at [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/). - WinRAR: a paid app that can split archives into individual volumes, allowing for easy storage. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, users can also get a free trial to extract and create RAR files. Download it from [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). - iZip: a free app for managing compressed files. It’s available to download from [iZip](https://www.izip.com/) or the App Store, and it’s compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, and iOS devices. - WinZip: a paid app for large RAR and ZIP files on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It can be downloaded from [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/en/), the App Store, or Google Play. For a free trial, choose the “Use Evaluation Version” option. - The Unarchiver: a free app for unpacking archived files for Macs and iPads. You can download it from [The Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/) or the App Store. ### How to open a RAR file on Windows To open, create, compress, or extract a RAR file on a PC with Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you need special third-party software. Windows does not provide an integrated solution to “unRAR” a file, as it is a proprietary format. A common piece of software to unpack a RAR file is WinRAR. Follow these steps to learn how to access a RAR file with WinRAR: 1. Download and install [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). ![Installation window for WinRAR 6.11 to install archiver on Windows 10](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-01.png?width=450&height=421&name=img-01.png) 2. Right-click the RAR file you want to unpack and select Open with WinRAR. ![RAR icon with a Windows menu highlighted to show the option Open with WinRAR](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-02.jpg?width=650&height=453&name=img-02.jpg) 3. Click Extract To, then choose a location for the unpacked files. ![WinRAR application screen with an open .rar file and the Extract To button highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-03.jpg?width=833&height=367&name=img-03.jpg) ### How to open a RAR file on a Mac To extract .rar files on a Mac device, you need to download and install a compatible app, like The Unarchiver. Here’s how to unzip a .rar file using The Unarchiver: 1. Download and install [The Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/). 2. Open the app and go to Preferences. 3. Make sure RAR Archive is selected in the Archive Formats tab. ![The preferences screen for The Unarchiver app on Mac with the RAR Archive extraction option selected](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-04.png?width=1326&height=939&name=img-04.png) 4. Next, select the Extraction tab and choose how you want the extracted folder to be saved: in the same folder as the archive or in a new folder. You can now close the Preferences window. ![In the Extraction tab of The Unarchiver preferences screen with "Ask for destination folder" highlighted in the "Extract archives to" menu](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-05.png?width=1297&height=916&name=img-05.png) 5. Right-click the .rar file you want to open and select Open With\>The Unarchiver. ![ A RAR file with right-click menu open and "Open With" then "The Unarchiver" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-06.png?width=892&height=802&name=img-06.png) 6. Choose or confirm the destination folder for your unpacked RAR files. Click Extract. ![File directory view on Mac showing where a RAR file will be extracted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-07.jpg?width=900&height=602&name=img-07.jpg) The RAR file has now been opened and you can access the extracted files in your chosen Mac folder. ### How to open a RAR file on iPhone If you wish to open a .rar file on your iPhone, you’ll need to install a free app, such as iZip, from the App Store. Follow the steps below to open a RAR file on an iPhone. 1. Download and install [iZip](https://www.izip.com/). 2. Find the RAR file you want to open and tap the iOS share icon. Select iZip from the options. ![ A .rar file with the share icon selected and the iZip app highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-08.jpg?width=800&height=834&name=img-08.jpg) 3. When asked if you wish to unzip all files, select OK. ![An open .rar file in iZip iOS app with a highlighted prompt to confirm extraction](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-09.jpg?width=350&height=670&name=img-09.jpg) You have now opened your RAR file archive. It will be in a new folder with the same name as your original file. ### How to open a RAR file on Android If you want to open a RAR file on your Android, there are many apps that can help you to do this. The most popular is WinZip. Here’s how to use WinZip to open a RAR file on an Android device: 1. Download and install [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/en/). 2. Open WinZip by tapping the icon on your home screen. Tap Start and select the free trial option. ![Three Android screens of the WinZip app showing the app menu, the start button and a "Try free for 3 days" button](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-10.jpg?width=1000&height=689&name=img-10.jpg) 3. Find the RAR file you want to open. Tap the three dots icon and select Unzip**to from the list of options. ![RAR file with the three-dot icon highlighted and "Unzip to..." highlighted in the actions menu](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-11.jpg?width=800&height=796&name=img-11.jpg) 4. Choose a destination folder for your extracted files then tap Unzip Here. ![WinZip app screen on Android phone showing storage locations and the "Unzip Here" button highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-12.jpg?width=350&height=653&name=img-12.jpg) Your files have now been extracted. You will find them in a new folder with the same name as the original RAR file. ## How to convert a RAR file If you can’t open a RAR file or want to share one with someone who doesn’t have the right software, you can convert the file to a more common archive type. There are multiple apps that you can use to convert your RAR file to a ZIP file. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: 1. Download and install [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/en/). 2. Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select Open with\>WinZip. ![A .rar file with the right-click menu open and "WinZip" then "Open with" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-13.jpg?width=550&height=664&name=img-13.jpg) 3. Under Actions, click the down arrow next to Unzip to. Choose a location to save your converted file and click Unzip. ![An open RAR file showing the "Unzip to" dropdown menu highlighted in the action toolbar](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-14.jpg?width=900&height=543&name=img-14.jpg) 4. Open WinZip. Drag and drop the extracted files into the WinZip window. ![PC screen showing highlighted files in a directory with an arrow pointing to a WinZip file](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-15.jpg?width=1000&height=508&name=img-15.jpg) 5. Click File\>Save As and select the location where you want your converted file to be saved. Click Save. ![Saving a converted RAR file in WinZip.](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-16.jpg?width=550&height=621&name=img-16.jpg) You have now converted your RAR file into a ZIP file. ## How to create a RAR file To make a RAR file on Windows, you’ll need to download and pay for [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). Once installed, follow these steps. 1. Open WinRAR, then use the drop-down menu to select the folder containing the files you want to compress. 2. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the files and folders you want to include in your RAR archive. ![A WinRar screen showing highlighted files that are selected for compression into a RAR file](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-17.jpg?width=845&height=438&name=img-17.jpg) 3. Click Add. Ensure that the Archive format is set to RAR and adjust any compression and size settings as required. You can also type in a name for your RAR file and select a destination folder. 4. Click OK. To continue using your PC while you wait for the RAR file to be created, select Background. ![WinZip screen with "Add" highlighted and the compression settings with "Archive format" and "OK" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-18.jpg?width=836&height=500&name=img-18.jpg) 5. Once your file has been created, it’ll be highlighted in the WinRAR window. ![WinZip showing a file directory with a new RAR file highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-19.png?width=830&height=424&name=img-19.png) You have now created a RAR file. ## Are RAR files safe? RAR files are generally safe. However, RAR files could contain [malware](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/what-is-malware) or [harmful viruses](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/what-is-a-computer-virus) — the same is true for any file type. Malicious code can only infect your device if the files are successfully extracted, so only extract data from a RAR file that you receive from a trusted source. Installing a [free antivirus solution](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/best-free-antivirus-software) can add another layer of protection by scanning files before you access them. When sending a RAR file, an antivirus tool can also help you protect your files from prying eyes and stealthy attacks, such as [man-in-the-middle attacks](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/man-in-the-middle-attack). And, don’t forget to [password protect your file](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-password-protect-file-folder-in-windows) with a [strong, unique password](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-create-a-strong-password-that-you-wont-forget) for added privacy. ### How to add a password to your RAR file It’s possible to add a password to your RAR file as you create it. But once the RAR is created, you can’t add a password unless you create the file again. Here’s how to add a password to a new RAR file: 1. Select the files you want to compress in WinRAR and click Add. Then click Set password. ![WinZip screen compression settings with "Set password" button highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-20.jpg?width=526&height=501&name=img-20.jpg) 2. Type your chosen password twice, once in each text box. Check the box named Encrypt file names and click OK. ![A WinRAR window for setting a password with the "Encrypt file names" tickbox and "OK" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-21.jpg?width=406&height=448&name=img-21.jpg) 3. Click OK to create your password-protected RAR file. ![The compression settings menu on WinRAR with "OK" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-22.jpg?width=528&height=505&name=img-22.jpg) ## Protect your device from malicious files and other threats No matter what type of file you’re working with, there’s always a chance that a virus or other malicious threat is hiding inside. [AVG AntiVirus Free](https://www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download) can help protect your device from these dangers by scanning files for hidden threats, whether they’re attached to emails, downloaded from websites, or unpacked from a compressed file. Get award-winning online security today with AVG. 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[Free download](https://www.avg.com/download-thank-you.php?product=AVM) Get it for [iOS](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz), [Android](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal), [PC](https://www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download) ![AVG](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Avg/Signal/assets/i/logo/avg-logo.svg) #### Protect Your Phone From Harmful Files Install free [AVG AntiVirus](https://www.avg.com/antivirus-for-android) for Android to keep dangerous files and downloads off your phone. Get comprehensive online security. [Free install](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal) Get it for [PC](https://www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download), [Mac](https://www.avg.com/avg-antivirus-for-mac), [iOS](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz) This article contains: - [What is a RAR file?](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-1) - [How to open RAR files](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-2) - [How to convert a RAR file](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-3) - [How to create a RAR file](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-4) - [Are RAR files safe?](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-5) - [Protect your device from malicious files and other threats](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files#topic-6) ![]() ## More Security Articles 1/12 [![](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/is_my_phone_listening_to_me_signal/signal-is-my-phone-listening-thumb.jpg) Is My Phone Listening to Me?](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/is-my-phone-listening) [![](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/is_discord_safe_signal/signal-is-discord-safe-thumb.jpg) Is Discord Safe? 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Is It Safe and How Does It Work?](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/is-venmo-safe) [![](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/what_is_rooting_signal/Signal-What-Is-Rooting-Android-Thumb.jpg) What Is Rooting on Android?](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/what-is-rooting) Protect your phone against harmful files with AVG AntiVirus ![](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Avg/Signal/assets/i/logo/AVG.png) AVG AntiVirus [Free install](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.antivirus&referrer=utm_source%3Davg_com%26utm_medium%3Dsignal) Protect your iPhone against harmful files with AVG Mobile Security ![](https://www.avg.com/hubfs/Avg/Signal/assets/i/logo/AVG.png) AVG Mobile Security [Free install](https://avg.sng.link/Djkjd/lbkj/2etz) Security Tips Security Ellie Farrier 6-10-2023 #### About AVG - [Profile](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/profile) - [Media Center](https://press.avg.com/) - [Policies](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/policies) - [Contact Us](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/contacts) #### Home Products - [Free Antivirus Download](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/free-antivirus-download) - [Internet Security](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/internet-security) - [Android Antivirus](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/antivirus-for-android) - [Free Mac Antivirus](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/avg-antivirus-for-mac) - [Secure VPN](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/secure-vpn) - [Tune Up](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/avg-pctuneup) - [Virus Scanner & Removal](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/virus-removal-tool) - [Installation Files](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/installation-files) - [Beta Downloads](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/beta) - [Driver Updater](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/avg-driver-updater) #### Customer Area - [Register Your License](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/activation) - [Anti-Theft Login](https://id.avg.com/) - [Home Product Support](https://support.avg.com/?l=en) - [Security & Performance Tips](https://www.avg.com/en/signal) - [Online Research](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/online-research-main) #### Partners & Business - [Business Antivirus Software](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/business-security) - [Partner Support](https://support.avg.com/partners?l=en) - [Business Support](https://support.avg.com/business?l=en) - [Affiliates](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/affiliate/become-an-avg-affiliate) ![AVG Logo](https://static2.avg.com/10002092/web/i/components/avg-logo-white-v2.svg) - [X](https://twitter.com/avgfree) - [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AVG/) - [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/AVG) - [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/avg/) [English ![icon arrow down](https://static2.avg.com/10002092/web/i/components/arrow-down.svg)]() [Log in to AVG MyAccount](https://myaccount.avg.com/my-account-login) [Privacy](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/privacy) \\| [Report vulnerability](https://www.avast.com/coordinated-vulnerability-disclosure) \\| [Contact security](https://www.avast.com/bug-bounty) \\| [License agreements](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/eula) \\| [Modern Slavery Statement](https://static2.avg.com/10002092/web/o/legal/2020-2021-ModernSlaveryStatement.pdf) \\| [Cookies](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/cookies) \\| [Accessibility Statement](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/accessibility-statement) \\| [Do not sell my info](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/do-not-sell) \\| [Cookie Settings](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-open-rar-files) \\| [All third party trademarks are the property of their respective owners.](https://www.avg.com/en-ww/trademarks) © 2026 Gen Digital Inc. 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Readable Markdown	This article contains What is a RAR file? A .rar file extension indicates a compressed archive file that stores one or more files and folders at a high quality and allows important information to be quickly extracted. RAR is short for Roshal Archive — named after the inventor of the file extension, Eugene Roshal. What are RAR files used for? RAR compressed files allow users to download, extract, or store multiple files with speedy transfer and download times. RAR files are used for tasks such as [downloading your data from Google](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-download-google-data) or Facebook and storing video, audio, or image files. RAR also allows you to send vast, complex file directories by splitting the compressed data into multiple RAR files known as volumes. RAR vs. ZIP: What's the difference? The main difference between RAR and ZIP files is that ZIP is more common. This is because ZIP creation is supported by most operating systems, while you can create a RAR file only using WinRAR, a proprietary third-party software. Of the two archive file types, RAR typically offers better compression, although compression ratios vary for RAR and ZIP depending on the file types contained in the archive. Here are some more differences between the two types of compressed files: ZIP file RAR file Developed in 1983 by Phil Katz. Developed in 1993 by Eugene Roshal. An archive file format that enables support for lossless data compression. An archive file format of proprietary archive type. ZIP files can be both created and extracted by most operating systems. RAR files can be created only with WinRAR software. Many free applications can extract RAR files and convert them into other archive formats. Several files can be compressed with older programs, such as DEFLATE and BZIP2. Files can be compressed with modern compression algorithms. ZIP files are usually encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Some programs, such as 7-Zip, use AES-256. RAR files are encrypted with AES-128-bit encryption. Filename extensions: .zipx and .zip Filename extensions: r01, .r00, .rev, .rar How to open RAR files If you can’t open a RAR file, it’s probably because you don’t have the right software. Windows, macOS, and other standard operating systems do not have an integrated RAR extraction tool. To open a RAR file, you need to download an app. Here are the most common applications that you can use to open a .rar file extension: 7-Zip: a free, open-source file archiver for Windows that allows files up to 16 billion GB to be compressed quickly and securely. The program has its own archive format, known as 7z, and is available for Windows PC. Download it at [7-Zip](https://www.7-zip.org/). WinRAR: a paid app that can split archives into individual volumes, allowing for easy storage. Available for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices, users can also get a free trial to extract and create RAR files. Download it from [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). iZip: a free app for managing compressed files. It’s available to download from [iZip](https://www.izip.com/) or the App Store, and it’s compatible with Windows PCs, Macs, and iOS devices. WinZip: a paid app for large RAR and ZIP files on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. It can be downloaded from [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/en/), the App Store, or Google Play. For a free trial, choose the “Use Evaluation Version” option. The Unarchiver: a free app for unpacking archived files for Macs and iPads. You can download it from [The Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/) or the App Store. How to open a RAR file on Windows To open, create, compress, or extract a RAR file on a PC with Windows 7, 8, 10, or 11, you need special third-party software. Windows does not provide an integrated solution to “unRAR” a file, as it is a proprietary format. A common piece of software to unpack a RAR file is WinRAR. Follow these steps to learn how to access a RAR file with WinRAR: Download and install [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). ![Installation window for WinRAR 6.11 to install archiver on Windows 10](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-01.png?width=450&height=421&name=img-01.png) Right-click the RAR file you want to unpack and select Open with WinRAR. ![RAR icon with a Windows menu highlighted to show the option Open with WinRAR](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-02.jpg?width=650&height=453&name=img-02.jpg) Click Extract To, then choose a location for the unpacked files. ![WinRAR application screen with an open .rar file and the Extract To button highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-03.jpg?width=833&height=367&name=img-03.jpg) How to open a RAR file on a Mac To extract .rar files on a Mac device, you need to download and install a compatible app, like The Unarchiver. Here’s how to unzip a .rar file using The Unarchiver: Download and install [The Unarchiver](https://www.theunarchiver.com/). Open the app and go to Preferences. Make sure RAR Archive is selected in the Archive Formats tab. ![The preferences screen for The Unarchiver app on Mac with the RAR Archive extraction option selected](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-04.png?width=1326&height=939&name=img-04.png) Next, select the Extraction tab and choose how you want the extracted folder to be saved: in the same folder as the archive or in a new folder. You can now close the Preferences window. ![In the Extraction tab of The Unarchiver preferences screen with "Ask for destination folder" highlighted in the "Extract archives to" menu](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-05.png?width=1297&height=916&name=img-05.png) Right-click the .rar file you want to open and select Open With\>The Unarchiver. ![ A RAR file with right-click menu open and "Open With" then "The Unarchiver" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-06.png?width=892&height=802&name=img-06.png) Choose or confirm the destination folder for your unpacked RAR files. Click Extract. ![File directory view on Mac showing where a RAR file will be extracted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-07.jpg?width=900&height=602&name=img-07.jpg) The RAR file has now been opened and you can access the extracted files in your chosen Mac folder. How to open a RAR file on iPhone If you wish to open a .rar file on your iPhone, you’ll need to install a free app, such as iZip, from the App Store. Follow the steps below to open a RAR file on an iPhone. Download and install [iZip](https://www.izip.com/). Find the RAR file you want to open and tap the iOS share icon. Select iZip from the options. ![ A .rar file with the share icon selected and the iZip app highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-08.jpg?width=800&height=834&name=img-08.jpg) When asked if you wish to unzip all files, select OK. ![An open .rar file in iZip iOS app with a highlighted prompt to confirm extraction](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-09.jpg?width=350&height=670&name=img-09.jpg) You have now opened your RAR file archive. It will be in a new folder with the same name as your original file. How to open a RAR file on Android If you want to open a RAR file on your Android, there are many apps that can help you to do this. The most popular is WinZip. Here’s how to use WinZip to open a RAR file on an Android device: Download and install [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/en/). Open WinZip by tapping the icon on your home screen. Tap Start and select the free trial option. ![Three Android screens of the WinZip app showing the app menu, the start button and a "Try free for 3 days" button](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-10.jpg?width=1000&height=689&name=img-10.jpg) Find the RAR file you want to open. Tap the three dots icon and select Unzipto from the list of options. ![RAR file with the three-dot icon highlighted and "Unzip to..." highlighted in the actions menu](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-11.jpg?width=800&height=796&name=img-11.jpg) Choose a destination folder for your extracted files then tap Unzip Here. ![WinZip app screen on Android phone showing storage locations and the "Unzip Here" button highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-12.jpg?width=350&height=653&name=img-12.jpg) Your files have now been extracted. You will find them in a new folder with the same name as the original RAR file. How to convert a RAR file If you can’t open a RAR file or want to share one with someone who doesn’t have the right software, you can convert the file to a more common archive type. There are multiple apps that you can use to convert your RAR file to a ZIP file. Here’s how to convert a RAR file using WinZip: Download and install [WinZip](https://www.winzip.com/en/). Right-click the RAR file you want to convert and select Open with\>WinZip. ![A .rar file with the right-click menu open and "WinZip" then "Open with" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-13.jpg?width=550&height=664&name=img-13.jpg) Under Actions, click the down arrow next to Unzip to. Choose a location to save your converted file and click Unzip. ![An open RAR file showing the "Unzip to" dropdown menu highlighted in the action toolbar](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-14.jpg?width=900&height=543&name=img-14.jpg) Open WinZip. Drag and drop the extracted files into the WinZip window. ![PC screen showing highlighted files in a directory with an arrow pointing to a WinZip file](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-15.jpg?width=1000&height=508&name=img-15.jpg) Click File\>Save As and select the location where you want your converted file to be saved. Click Save. ![Saving a converted RAR file in WinZip.](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-16.jpg?width=550&height=621&name=img-16.jpg) You have now converted your RAR file into a ZIP file. How to create a RAR file To make a RAR file on Windows, you’ll need to download and pay for [WinRAR](https://www.win-rar.com/). Once installed, follow these steps. Open WinRAR, then use the drop-down menu to select the folder containing the files you want to compress. Hold down the Ctrl key and select the files and folders you want to include in your RAR archive. ![A WinRar screen showing highlighted files that are selected for compression into a RAR file](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-17.jpg?width=845&height=438&name=img-17.jpg) Click Add. Ensure that the Archive format is set to RAR and adjust any compression and size settings as required. You can also type in a name for your RAR file and select a destination folder. Click OK. To continue using your PC while you wait for the RAR file to be created, select Background. ![WinZip screen with "Add" highlighted and the compression settings with "Archive format" and "OK" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-18.jpg?width=836&height=500&name=img-18.jpg) Once your file has been created, it’ll be highlighted in the WinRAR window. ![WinZip showing a file directory with a new RAR file highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-19.png?width=830&height=424&name=img-19.png) You have now created a RAR file. Are RAR files safe? RAR files are generally safe. However, RAR files could contain [malware](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/what-is-malware) or [harmful viruses](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/what-is-a-computer-virus) — the same is true for any file type. Malicious code can only infect your device if the files are successfully extracted, so only extract data from a RAR file that you receive from a trusted source. Installing a [free antivirus solution](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/best-free-antivirus-software) can add another layer of protection by scanning files before you access them. When sending a RAR file, an antivirus tool can also help you protect your files from prying eyes and stealthy attacks, such as [man-in-the-middle attacks](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/man-in-the-middle-attack). And, don’t forget to [password protect your file](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-password-protect-file-folder-in-windows) with a [strong, unique password](https://www.avg.com/en/signal/how-to-create-a-strong-password-that-you-wont-forget) for added privacy. How to add a password to your RAR file It’s possible to add a password to your RAR file as you create it. But once the RAR is created, you can’t add a password unless you create the file again. Here’s how to add a password to a new RAR file: Select the files you want to compress in WinRAR and click Add. Then click Set password. ![WinZip screen compression settings with "Set password" button highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-20.jpg?width=526&height=501&name=img-20.jpg) Type your chosen password twice, once in each text box. Check the box named Encrypt file names and click OK. ![A WinRAR window for setting a password with the "Encrypt file names" tickbox and "OK" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-21.jpg?width=406&height=448&name=img-21.jpg) Click OK to create your password-protected RAR file. ![The compression settings menu on WinRAR with "OK" highlighted](https://www.avg.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog_Content/Avg/Signal/AVG%20Signal%20Images/how_to_open_a_rar_file_signal/img-22.jpg?width=528&height=505&name=img-22.jpg) Protect your device from malicious files and other threats No matter what type of file you’re working with, there’s always a chance that a virus or other malicious threat is hiding inside. [AVG AntiVirus Free](https://www.avg.com/free-antivirus-download) can help protect your device from these dangers by scanning files for hidden threats, whether they’re attached to emails, downloaded from websites, or unpacked from a compressed file. Get award-winning online security today with AVG.
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