Basic information about RAR file

When there is a problem with opening files with the file extension RAR(*.RAR or *.rar), you do not need a computer expert. In most cases, using the helpful suggestions of experts contained in our website as well as appropriate programs, you can solve the problem with the RAR file yourself.

There are 1 file types using the RAR file extension in our database. In the further part of this page, you will find detail information about all the RAR file with their brief description and a list of programs that support RAR file sorted by operating systems. The table below provides useful information about the RAR file extension. It answers questions such as:
  • What is the RAR file?
  • How to open a RAR file?
  • What programs do I need to open a RAR file?
  • What programs help to create and edit a RAR file?
  • How to convert RAR files to another file format?
  • How to convert another files to RAR file format?


1.Detail information about RAR file extension: WinRAR Compressed Archive

File type WinRAR Compressed Archive Category Compressed Files
Developer Eugene Roshal File format Binary
Description RAR file is a WinRAR Compressed Archive developed by Eugene Roshal. The RAR file type is primarily associated with WinRAR by RarLab. Spanned archives can come in two forms: the original .R00 to .R99 or the new PART#.RAR form. Some programs use the RAR format for their data files as well. As a bit of trivia: RAR was created by Eugene Roshal (RAR= Roshal ARchive).
Software programs that will open, edit or convert RAR files

Windows
File Viewer Plus
WinRAR 5
Corel WinZip 21
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe for Windows
7-Zip
Zipeg
PeaZip
B1 Free Archiver
WinMount International WinMount
Whirling Dervishes Alpha ZIP
Free RAR Extract Frog
Advanced RAR Repair
IZArc
RAR Password Recovery

macOS
Corel WinZip Mac 6
Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe 16
Incredible Bee Archiver
The Unarchiver
B1 Free Archiver
UnRarX
Zipeg
iArchiver
RAR OS X
StuffIt Expander

Linux
unrar
B1 Free Archiver
PeaZip
Xarchiver

Android
ES File Explorer File Manager
RARLAB RAR
ZDevs ZArchiver



How to convert RAR files to another file format?

There are 27 records in our database eligible for RAR files to another file format conversion. If you want to achieve RAR to another files conversion, you may use the option.



How to convert another files to RAR file format?

There are 38 records in our database eligible for another files to RAR file format conversion. If you want to achieve another files to RAR conversion, you may use the option.



Can't open a RAR file?

When you click a file to open it, operating system examines the filename extension. If operating system recognizes the filename extension, it opens the file in the program that is associated with that filename extension. When operating system does not recognize a filename extension, you receive the following message:

”Can't open this file: example.RAR”。

To open this file, you install one of the applications from the list of software programs that you found here, you should be able to open, edit or convert the file with the RAR extension without any issue.


Where I can download the application that support RAR file?

If you do not know where you can download the application from our list, click on the link (which is the name of the program), you will find more information there on the location where to download the required application. Most often they are the websites of software manufacturers.


How to change file associations?

  • Right-click a file with the extension whose association you want to change, and then click "Open With".
  • In the "Open With" dialog box, click the program whith which you want the file to open, or click "Browse" to locate the program that you want.
  • Select the ”Always use the selected program to open this kind of file” check box.


Can I change the extension of RAR files?

Changing the filename extension of a file is not a good idea. When you change a file's extension, you change the way programs on your computer read/open the file. The problem is, changing the file extension does not change the file format. Select a software program from our list and install it on your computer. If the file has not opened correctly, you have to look for a different software program from our list. Sometimes you have to repeat the operation several times.


What else may cause problems width open a RAR file?

The reasons for the lack of the ability to open a RAR file on your computer may be at least several. The easiest thing is to find a suitable application installed on your computer, which will open a RAR file. If there is still something wrong, you might want to check:

  • Whether the RAR file is damaged.
  • Whether the RAR file is incorrectly linked in the registry entries.
  • Whether the RAR file extension has been accidentally removed from the Windows registry.
  • Whether the installation of an application that supports the RAR file format is incompletely.
  • Whether the RAR file is infected.
  • Whether the drivers of the equipment used for opening a RAR file are up to date.
  • Whether your computer has enough hardware resources to open a RAR file.

If the RAR file still not working with your software after eliminating the above shortcomings? That means that the problem is more complex and requires the help of a specialist.