RAR File

What are RAR files and how to open them

Are you having problems opening a RAR 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 RAR files.

What is a RAR file?

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

RAR Compressed Archive

Files that use the .rar file extension are archive files that have been created by the WinRAR file archiving software. The WinRAR application takes large files or collections of files and compresses those files into a single archive file.

Compressed files make it easier for users to share files via email and over the Internet. For example, if you needed to email multiple file attachments to an individual, you could compress them into a single RAR file, sending one attachment rather than many.

When the WinRAR archiver creates an archive, the resulting archive file is given the .rar file extension. RAR files are very similar to ZIP files but WinRAR uses a different compression algorithm, often resulting in smaller files.

How to open RAR files

We have identified five RAR openers that are compatible with this specific type of RAR file.

Programs that open RAR Compressed Archive files

Last updated: May 19, 2024

All known file formats using extension .RAR

While RAR Compressed Archive is a popular type of RAR-file, we know of 3 different uses of the .RAR file extension. Different software may use files with the same extension for different types of data.

EMule Skin Profile Packages

We know that one RAR format is EMule Skin Profile Packages. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

We have not yet verified any programs for Windows that work with this specific file format. If you know one, please use the 'Suggest a program' link below. Thanks!

WinRAR Interface Theme

We know that one RAR format is WinRAR Interface Theme. We have not yet analyzed in detail what these files contain and what they are used for. We're working on it.

RAR opener for Windows

We have identified one RAR opener that is compatible with this specific type of RAR 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 RAR file formats, example files, or compatible programs. Please use the links below or email us at submit@file.org to discuss further.