PAK File

What are PAK files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a PAK file or are you simply curious about its contents? We're here to explain the properties of these files and provide you with software that can open or handle your PAK files.

What is a PAK file?

PAK files have multiple uses, and PAK/ARC Compressed Archive is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

PAK/ARC Compressed Archive

These files are very similar to Zip archive files. The PAK file format is used to compress large files or volumes of files into a single archive file. This makes it easier to distribute the files or download the files from the Internet.

For example, if you have fifteen different files that you would like to email to someone, you can send them in a PAK file archive rather than emailing the files as fifteen different attachments.

How to open PAK files

We have identified two PAK openers that are compatible with this specific type of PAK file.

Programs that open PAK/ARC Compressed Archive files

Last updated: December 28, 2023

All known file formats using extension .PAK

While PAK/ARC Compressed Archive is a popular type of PAK-file, we know of 11 different uses of the .PAK file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

Artisoft Installation Package

We know that one PAK format is Artisoft Installation Package. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

While we have not verified the apps ourselves yet, our users have suggested ten different PAK openers which you will find listed below.

FoxPro Compressed Distribution Archive

We know that one PAK format is FoxPro Compressed Distribution Archive. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

HBuilder Language Pack

We know that one PAK format is HBuilder Language Pack. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

InstallBuilder Installation Package

We know that one PAK format is InstallBuilder Installation Package. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PACKED/PFT Compressed Archive

We know that one PAK format is PACKED/PFT Compressed Archive. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PACKER Compressed Archive

We know that one PAK format is PACKER Compressed Archive. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

PlayStation 3 NPDRM Encrypted Data

We know that one PAK format is PlayStation 3 NPDRM Encrypted Data. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Quake Archive

We know that one PAK format is Quake Archive. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Simutrans Object Package

We know that one PAK format is Simutrans Object Package. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Sygic GPS Map Data

We know that one PAK format is Sygic GPS Map Data. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

Various apps that use files with this extension

These apps are known to open certain types of PAK files. Remember, different programs may use PAK files for different purposes, so you may need to try out a few of them to be able to open your specific file.

Help us help others

File.org helps thousands of users every day, and we would love to hear from you if you have additional information about PAK file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.