WinZip's TAR GZ Opener Functionality

WinZip's TAR GZ Opener Functionality

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What is a TAR GZ file extension?

To understand what a Tar GZ File is, you first need to understand what a TAR file is. Short for Tape Archive, a TAR file is used to store multiple files in one to send over the internet or for archiving purposes. Similarly, the TAR GZ file extension is created when compressing archived TAR files with the GNU zip utility.

In short, a TAR file creates one archive file out of multiple files without compressing them, while the GZ file format compresses a file without creating an archive. Combined into the tar GZ file extension, you can archive and compress multiple files into one.

What are Tar GZ files used for?

Since the tar GZ file format is used to compress and store multiple files in one, it’s most commonly used to deliver package files, programs or installers online or simply for storing files locally.

By compressing several files into one Tar GZ file, you’ll be able to send multiple files as one single archived folder. This format can be sent by email or social media platforms that support the Tar GZ file format.

The tar GZ file extension is widely used on UNIX based operating systems but can also be used on Windows and macOS with WinZip.

Tar GZ files are most commonly used for:

How to open TAR GZ files

With WinZip, you’ll be able to open and extract Tar GZ Files on both Windows and macOS by following these simple steps:

Method 1

Open Tar GZ Files - Step 1
1. Find the tar gz 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 Tar GZ 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 Tar GZ Files - Step 3
3. Click "Unzip" to begin the process. Within a few moments the files within the TAR Tar GZ file will be available to view and use in the location you specified.

Method 2

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

Tar GZ and Linux

While Tar GZ can be opened and used on Windows and macOS with WinZip, you’re much more likely to spot the Tar GZ file format on Linux operating systems.

Since the Tar GZ file format is native to Linux, you can use the Linux command line to execute various commands on your Tar GZ files. With the Linux command line, you can create, open, and extract Tar GZ files by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and following these simple commands:

  • Opening and extracting Tar GZ files on Linux: $ tar xvzf file.tar.gz
  • Uncompressing a Tar GZ file on Linux: $ tar xvzf file.tar.gz -C /path/to/yourdirectory
  • To view the Tar GZ files table of contents on Linux: $ tar -tvf file.tar.gz
  • To extract the .GZ file without tar on Linux: $ gunzip file.gz
  • Compress an entire directory to Tar GZ on Linux: tar -zcvf file.tar.gz /path/to/yourdirectory/
  • Compress a single file to Tar GZ on Linux: tar -zcvf file.tar.gz /path/to/filename

How to Create Tar GZ Files

While the TAR GZ file format may be more common for Linux, you may also create and compress TAR GZ files on other operating systems by using WinZip.

Creating Tar GZ files can be done quickly in Windows and macOS by using a file archiver that supports GZIP.

While WinZip does not create Tar GZ files, it does create Zip files. Zip files are similar to Tar GZ files and have many of the same benefits and more accessibility.

In order to create a Zip file, please follow these simple steps:

  1. Open WinZip
  2. Find and select the files you wish to ZIP from your PC, network, or cloud services in the files panel.
  3. Click “Add to Zip”.
  4. In the actions panel, click “Save as”.
  5. Choose any local, network or cloud location where you wish to save your new ZIP file.
  6. You may also choose to email it, share it in an instant message or via supported social media platforms.

Converting Tar GZ Files

It’s generally a good idea to convert your TAR GZ file since it might not be compatible with the software you intend to use. ZIP is a more accessible compression format, and you can easily convert your TAR GZ file to ZIP using WinZip.

WinZip allows you to convert any TAR GZ file into a ZIP file. Giving you all the benefits of the GZ file format with added accessibility and ease of use.

Follow this detailed guide to convert your TAR GZ file into ZIP with WinZip:

  1. Follow the steps above in “How to Open TAR GZ Files”.
  2. Now select the files you wish to ZIP from your PC, network, or cloud services in the files panel.
  3. Click “Add to Zip”.
  4. In the actions panel, click “Save as”.
  5. Choose any local, network or cloud location where you wish to save your new ZIP file.
  6. You may also choose to email it, share it in an instant message or via supported social media platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Tar.GZ files safe?

Yes, Tar.GZ files are archive files that are considered very safe. However, if the contents inside the archive don’t come from a trusted source, it’s a good idea to extract and scan with an antivirus before executing.

What’s the difference between Tar and Tar.GZ?

A Tar file is an archive that consists of multiple files put into one, while GZ is a compressed file format. Thus, combining TAR and GZ into a TAR.GZ provides you with a compressed archive.

Why does Linux use Tar GZ?

TAR was developed for Unix as early as 1979 and GZ later in 1992. These formats were later adopted to Linux. Being a native file format, it’s highly compatible and easy to use on those operating systems.

Can I split and join Tar GZ files?

Yes, splitting and joining TAR GZ files is possible. It’s beneficial when sending large files, as you can send parts of it individually instead.

Can Tar GZ files be converted?

Yes, Tar GZ files can be converted into ZIP. To do so, you’ll need to launch WinZip and follow these steps.

Open Tar GZ files on Windows or Mac

WinZip 28
  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8
  • Windows 7
  • Internet Explorer 8 or later
WinZip Mac 10
  • Mac OS X 10.8, 10.9, or 10.10
  • Intel 64-bit processor
  • Supports Apple Retina Displays

WinZip opens and extracts TAR-GZ Compressed Archive Files—and many more formats

We designed WinZip to open and extract from the widest range of file formats, including all of the following:

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