JAR File

What are JAR files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a JAR file or just wondering what they contain? We explain what these files are used for and show you software that we know can open or otherwise handle your files.

What is a JAR file?

JAR files have multiple uses, and Java Archive is one of them. Read more about the other uses further down the page.

Java Archive

Files with the .jar file extension contain programs developed in Java, a programming language invented by Sun Microsystems.

These jar files are compressed archive files that use the ZIP format to bundle several compiled java classes and related metadata into single files for easy distribution.

The content of JAR files can be extracted and inspected using archive tools, just like ZIP files. However, if you wish to run the program contained within a JAR file, you need to install the Java Runtime Environment on your computer.

How to open JAR files

We have identified six JAR openers that are compatible with this specific type of JAR file.

Programs that open Java Archive files

Last updated: November 10, 2022

All known file formats using extension .JAR

While Java Archive is a popular type of JAR-file, we know of 2 different uses of the .JAR file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

QiC JAR ebook

These type of JAR files contain an ebook that has been converted into a Java program, making it possible to run (display) them on devices supporting java.

You usually do not need to edit or view these files, as they only contain information usable by the software program that uses them.

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 JAR file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.