RAR Format
Everything about RAR files
Can Create
No
Can Extract
Yes
Extension
.rar
Platform
All
RAR Guides
What Is a RAR File?
A RAR file is a compressed archive format developed by Eugene Roshal. RAR (Roshal Archive) offers high compression ratios and advanced features like error recovery and multi-volume archives.
RAR is a proprietary format — only WinRAR and licensed software can create RAR files. However, 7-Zip can fully extract RAR archives for free, including the latest RAR5 format.
RAR files are common for large software downloads, movie archives, and file sharing. They often come split into multiple parts (.part1.rar, .part2.rar, etc.) for easier distribution.
Can 7-Zip Open RAR Files?
7-Zip can fully extract RAR and RAR5 archives — no WinRAR purchase needed.
7-Zip supports multi-volume (split) RAR archives: right-click the first part (.part1.rar or .rar) and 7-Zip automatically combines all parts.
7-Zip handles password-protected RAR files and all RAR encryption methods.
7-Zip cannot create RAR files due to the proprietary RAR license. Use 7z format as a free superior alternative for creating archives.
How to Extract RAR Files
Ensure 7-Zip is installed
If you don't have 7-Zip, download and install it from the official 7-zip.org website. It's free and handles RAR files completely.
Right-click the RAR file
Locate your .rar file in Windows Explorer, right-click it, and navigate to the "7-Zip" context menu.
Choose extraction method
Select "Extract Here" to extract to the current folder, or "Extract to [folder name]\" to create a new subfolder for the extracted files.
Handle multi-volume RAR
If the RAR is split into parts (.part1.rar, .part2.rar, etc.), right-click the FIRST part only. 7-Zip automatically detects and combines all parts during extraction.
Enter password if prompted
If the RAR is password-protected, 7-Zip will prompt for the password. Enter it to proceed with extraction.
How to Create RAR Archives
7-Zip cannot create RAR files
Due to the proprietary RAR format license, only WinRAR can create RAR archives. 7-Zip does not have RAR creation capability.
Use 7z as a free alternative
The 7z format provides equal or better compression than RAR, supports AES-256 encryption, filename encryption, split volumes, and is completely free and open source.
Create a 7z archive instead
Right-click your files > 7-Zip > "Add to archive..." > select "7z" format. The recipient can extract it with 7-Zip (free) or many other archivers.
How to Password Protect RAR Files
7-Zip can extract password-protected RAR files. When you try to extract a protected RAR, 7-Zip prompts for the password.
7-Zip supports all RAR encryption methods, including the AES-256 encryption used in RAR5 format.
To create a password-protected archive, use the 7z format instead, as 7-Zip cannot create RAR files.
RAR Specifications
| Extension | .rar |
| Compression | Proprietary (PPM, LPC, multimedia) |
| Encryption | AES-256 (RAR5), proprietary (RAR4) |
| Platform | All (with compatible software) |
| Maximum Size | 8 Exabytes |
| Developer | Eugene Roshal (win.rar GmbH) |
| MIME Type | application/vnd.rar |
Common RAR Errors & Solutions
Cannot open RAR file
Cause: Missing archive software or incompatible RAR version.
Solution: Install 7-Zip (free) to open all RAR versions including RAR5. The built-in Windows extractor cannot handle RAR files.
RAR extraction fails on multi-volume archive
Cause: Missing parts or parts in different folders.
Solution: Ensure all parts (.part1.rar through .partN.rar) are in the same folder. Extract from the first part only. If any part is missing or corrupted, extraction will fail.
RAR file is corrupted
Cause: Incomplete download or transfer error.
Solution: Re-download all parts. If you have a recovery record (.rev file), WinRAR can use it to repair damaged parts. 7-Zip can extract healthy files from partially corrupted archives.
Wrong password error
Cause: Incorrect password entered.
Solution: Double-check the password. RAR encryption is strong; there is no way to bypass it. You must have the correct password to extract the archive.
RAR vs 7Z
| Feature | RAR | 7z |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid (WinRAR) | Free (Open Source) |
| Can create | WinRAR only | 7-Zip and others |
| Can extract | 7-Zip, WinRAR, and others | 7-Zip and others |
| Compression ratio | Good | Excellent (often better) |
| Filename encryption | Yes (RAR5) | Yes |
| Open source | No (proprietary) | Yes (LGPL) |
| Recovery record | Yes | No |
RAR FAQ
Can 7-Zip open RAR files?
Yes. 7-Zip can fully open and extract RAR and RAR5 archives, including multi-volume and password-protected files. You do not need WinRAR installed.
Can 7-Zip create RAR files?
No. 7-Zip cannot create RAR files because the RAR format is proprietary. Only WinRAR can create RAR archives. Use the 7z format as a free alternative for creating archives.
Can 7-Zip open RAR5?
Yes. 7-Zip fully supports the RAR5 format, which is the latest version of RAR introduced in WinRAR 5.0. RAR5 offers better compression and AES-256 encryption.
How to open .part1.rar, .part2.rar files?
These are multi-volume RAR archives. Place all parts in the same folder, right-click the first part (.part1.rar), and extract with 7-Zip. It automatically combines all parts.
Is RAR better than 7z?
Both offer good compression. RAR has a recovery record feature for repairing damaged archives. 7z is free, open source, often achieves better compression, and supports filename encryption. For most users, 7z is the better choice.
Can Mac open RAR files?
macOS cannot open RAR files natively. You need software like The Unarchiver, Keka, or UnRarX on Mac. Alternatively, use the command-line p7zip tool.
Can Linux open RAR files?
Linux can extract RAR files using the unrar package (sudo apt install unrar). Most GUI archive managers like Ark and File Roller support RAR extraction once unrar is installed.
Can Android open RAR files?
Yes, Android can open RAR files using file manager apps like ZArchiver, RAR for Android, or WinRAR for Android. The built-in Files app on some Android versions may also support RAR.
Why can't Windows open RAR natively?
RAR is a proprietary format, and Microsoft does not include RAR support in Windows due to licensing. You need third-party software like 7-Zip (free) or WinRAR (paid) to open RAR files on Windows.
What is a .rev file?
A .rev file is a recovery volume created by WinRAR. If some parts of a multi-volume RAR archive are corrupted or missing, WinRAR can use .rev files to reconstruct them. 7-Zip cannot create or use .rev files.
Related Formats
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