RAR File Opener

WinZip's RAR Opener Functionality

Need to open, create, or convert a RAR file?

Have you encountered a RAR file that you need to open? Or has someone requested you send them a RAR file? If you haven’t used one before you’ll likely be wondering what it is, but rest assured it’s not complex. Let’s dive in and find out what a RAR file is, and how WinZip can help you open them, create them, and convert them to other formats.

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What is a RAR file extension?

A RAR file extension is something you might come across sooner or later as you transfer files for business use. If you’re familiar with ZIP files, you’ll get to grips with RAR files in no time as the concept is fairly similar.

The RAR file format is short for Roshal Archive Compressed file, and is a compressed archive from WinRAR. The archive generally contains multiple files, although it can be just a single file, and you’ll need to extract the files from the archive in order to use them.

RAR files can be split up into multi-volume archives and the compression lets multiple files condense down into a single small archive that’s easy to transfer.

If you find yourself with a RAR file extension unable to open it, that’s where WinZip comes in. The software lets you open RAR files in moments, accessing all the volumes within the archive.

What are RAR files used for?

You might be wondering why RAR files are used instead of ZIP files which are immediately accessible natively through the computer. The difference is that RAR supports error recovery and multi-volume archives making it much easier to transfer and download complex networks of files and folders.

So when would you use a RAR file? To start with, compiling a long list of files like images or audio files into a single downloadable RAR file will speed up the transfer and download times when sending it to a friend or colleague.

Another instance might be if you need to send a contract or a document that isn’t for public eyes to a colleague. Like Zip files, RAR files can be encrypted with a password to ensure that only the person who needs to see it can access it, even if someone else accesses that computer.

How to open a RAR file

Opening RAR files in WinZip can be done in moments with the click of just a few buttons. Follow this step by step guide.

Method 1

Open RAR Files - Step 1
1. Find the .rar file you would like to open on your computer and double-click on the file. This will open up WinZip and display the file.
Open RAR Files - Step 2
2. On the panel on the right side of the screen, click "Unzip to:" and choose the location you would like to save your file to, for instance the desktop or an external hard drive.
Open RAR Files - Step 3
3. Click "Unzip" to begin the process. Within a few moments the files within the RAR file will be available to view and use in the location you specified.

Method 2

RAR File Extractor - Step 1
1. Right-click on the RAR file and hover over "WinZip" to display the secondary menu.
RAR File Extractor - Step 2
2. Click on "Unzip to..." and choose the location you want to save the file to.
RAR File Extractor - Step 3
3. Click "Unzip" which will open up the contents of the RAR file.

Creating RAR Files

If someone requests something to be sent in RAR format, or if you want to take advantage of the benefits of using a RAR format, you can use WinZip. While you can’t create RAR files using WinZip, you can create Zip files, which are similar to RAR files and have many of the same benefits. The process is easy, much the same as opening RAR files. Here are a few simple steps, that of course begin with opening WinZip.

  1. Navigate to File, then new Zip file.
  2. Select the file (or files) you want to create as a Zip folder.
  3. Under Share or save Zip create the new Zip file to the location of your choice or email it directly to your chosen recipient.

WinZip will then create the Zip file as per your instructions, and you can share it or store it as you like. The size of the archive should be much less than the sum of the individual files thanks to its high quality compression, giving you the option to upload and download it quickly.

Converting RAR Files

You don’t have to restrict yourself to RAR files when compressing multiple files into easy-to-use archives. In fact, one of the biggest strengths of WinZip is the ability to convert RAR files to other archive formats.

The formats you’ll most likely have heard of are ZIP or 7z files, which are accessible without specialist software. Converting a RAR file to ZIP lets you create archive files for users who don’t have access to WinZip. A ZIP file won’t give you access to the same encryption tools, but if the person you’re sending the file to won’t be able to open it otherwise then this may be necessary.

WinZip is a powerful RAR file converter, and converting a RAR file to ZIP is easy.

  1. Open the RAR file using WinZip
  2. Click “Unzip to:” and choose the location where you would like to save your file
  3. Select all the files that have been unzipped and compress them with WinZip to a Zip file

Encrypting & Password Protecting RAR Files

One of the biggest attractions of RAR files which makes them stand out from some other archive formats is the ability to encrypt them and protect them with passwords. This gives them considerably more protection from unintended users than other archive files, letting you share sensitive data more comfortably.

There are of course utilities that let determined users crack RAR files so they’re not completely impenetrable, but the encryption and password protection is enough to stop anyone looking around or accidentally seeing files that aren’t for them when on a shared computer.

To password protect a RAR file using WinZip, first convert the RAR file to a Zip file by following the steps above. After the RAR file has been converted, right-click on the file and select Encrypt from the menu. This will open up WinZip and present encryption and password protection options. Just remember to not leave the password in a publicly accessible location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Still looking for some information that hasn’t been answered above?

Can I open RAR files on mobile?

The short answer is yes! Using the WinZip app on iOS and Android, you can select one or multiple files to convert to a RAR file.

Are RAR files safe?

Like ZIP files, RAR files can be encrypted and password protected. They’re not completely bulletproof, but adding just a couple of layers of protection helps prevent sensitive data being readily available.

Can I split RAR files?

To help break a RAR file into smaller pieces and make it easier to upload and download, WinZip gives you the option to split RAR files.

Can I convert RAR files?

WinZip lets you convert RAR files into other archive file formats such as ZIP and Zipx files. This is ideal for when you are working with somebody who doesn’t have WinZip.

Open RAR files on Windows or Mac

WinZip 28
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Internet Explorer 8 or later
WinZip Mac 10

WinZip opens and extracts RAR Compressed Archive Files—and many more formats

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