What is a RAR file?
RAR — proprietary archive
Use the format RAR
A concrete example
Prepare a ZIP from a RAR archive to share it.
Useful checks
An archive can be split into multiple volumes. All the necessary pieces must be available.
Choose a conversion
Keep the original and open the result in the software or on the device that will need to use it.
Your questions about this format
Why did I receive a TAR.GZ file?
Gzip compresses a stream, while TAR groups the files of a folder. The engine therefore combines the two to preserve the contents of a multi-part archive. Open the TAR.GZ with compatible software, then check the extracted files.
Does converting an archive change the documents inside?
The goal is to change their container, not to convert each document. A PDF in an archive remains a PDF. To change its format, extract it and then use the Documents theme.
Will a ZIP archive necessarily be smaller?
No. JPEG photos, videos, or already compressed archives may shrink very little. Compare the size and prioritize especially the format that your recipient knows how to open.
What to do with a protected or damaged archive?
The form does not ask for a password. Unlock your archive locally if you are allowed to, then try again with a copy. If it is damaged, first check that your local software can extract the files; paying does not repair an unreadable archive.
What is it?
RAR compresses better than ZIP and offers two features that made it popular: splitting into multiple volumes and recovery records, which let you repair a partially damaged archive.
These qualities made it, for twenty years, the go-to format for large files shared over the internet.
History & origin
Eugene Roshal, a Russian developer, created RAR in 1993 — its name comes from his initials.
The format has remained proprietary: the WinRAR software is famous for its forty-day trial period, which, it seems, has never actually expired for anyone. Creating a RAR requires paid software; opening one does not.
Why it is useful
A very good compression ratio, strong encryption, and recovery records that can save damaged archives.
Splitting into volumes remains handy for transporting large sets of files.
Limits & drawbacks
Proprietary format: creating one requires a license, and no system opens it natively.
Your recipient will need to install software — something many people won't do.
Practical tips
Convert your RAR files to ZIP or 7Z: you'll make them accessible to everyone, without third-party software or a license.
Don't choose RAR for new archives anymore: 7Z does just as well, and it's free and open.
Convert your RAR in seconds, on our secure servers in France.
Convert a RAR