Opening GZ files

What is a GZ file?

The .gz file extension is given to Gnu Zipped file archives. This file format was developed by the Gnu Project for use on Unix operating systems in order to compress large files. For example, if you have a file that you would like to send via email, the GZ file format would allow you to compress it into a much smaller file.

GZ archive files are compressed using the GNU (Gzip) compression algorithm. The .gz files can contain one file only. If you want to include multiple files in a GZ file, you need to "combine" them using an archive tool like TAR first. That will create a .tar.gz or .tgz file.

GZ files can be opened on both Mac and Windows operating systems. They can also be opened on computers that are running Linux.

Software that will open, convert or fix GZ files

Windows

• BitZipperVerifiedProgram has been verified by file.org to work with GZ files.
• WinRARVerifiedProgram has been verified by file.org to work with GZ files.
• WinZipVerifiedProgram has been verified by file.org to work with GZ files.
• BandizipVerifiedProgram has been verified by file.org to work with GZ files.
• PeaZipVerifiedProgram has been verified by file.org to work with GZ files.
• PowerArchiverVerifiedProgram has been verified by file.org to work with GZ files.

About File Extension GZ

File.org aims to be the go-to resource for file type- and related software information. We spend countless hours researching various file formats and software that can open, convert, create or otherwise work with those files.

If you have additional information about the GZ file format or software that uses files with the GZ suffix, please do get in touch - we would love hearing from you.