What is .rar?
.rar (Roshal Archive) is a proprietary archive format developed by Eugene Roshal. It offers strong compression, error recovery features, and solid archiving, and is most commonly associated with the WinRAR software on Windows.
This quick guide explains when to use .rar files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .rar files
- You want higher compression ratios than ZIP for certain data sets.
- You are using WinRAR or workflows that rely on RAR-specific features.
- You need recovery records or multi-part archives for unreliable storage or transfer.
- You are working with archives that were originally shared in RAR format.
How to open .rar files
RAR files are best opened with WinRAR on Windows, but many other tools (7-Zip, PeaZip, Unarchiver, etc.) can extract them as well. On macOS and Linux, dedicated utilities like The Unarchiver, Keka, or the 'unrar' CLI can handle most RAR archives. Browsers will download .rar files; extraction always happens via external tools. You can upload .rar files to FileXhost to share them, but recipients still need a compatible extractor.
Algorithm details
RAR uses proprietary compression algorithms that combine dictionary-based methods, entropy coding, and solid archiving techniques. Solid archives treat multiple files as a continuous data stream, improving compression when many files share similar content. RAR also supports error recovery records and strong AES-based encryption in newer versions.
Browser & platform support
- Desktop: Browsers treat RAR as a download; they do not natively display or extract its contents.
- Mobile: Extraction requires a dedicated file manager or archive app from the app store.
- OS: No OS has native RAR creation; extraction is supported via third-party tools.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Compression | Generally better compression than ZIP, especially with solid archives, but comparable or slightly weaker than 7z in some cases. |
| Compatibility | Less universal than ZIP; requires dedicated tools, especially for creation. |
| Licensing | Proprietary; creation typically requires WinRAR or compatible licensed software. |
| Features | Supports recovery records, multi-volume archives, and strong encryption. |
How to create rar files
- WinRAR: The primary tool for creating RAR archives on Windows.
- Third-Party Tools: Some GUI and CLI tools support RAR creation where licensed components are available.
- Context Menus: On Windows, WinRAR integrates with Explorer for quick 'Add to archive' actions.
How to convert rar files
- FileXhost: Upload RAR files to distribute them as a single download link.
- Desktop: Use 7-Zip, WinRAR, or PeaZip to extract RAR and repack as ZIP or 7z.
- CLI: unrar (extract only), then use zip/7z to recompress.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Often better compression than ZIP
- Advanced features like solid archiving and recovery records
- Widely recognized due to WinRAR's popularity
Disadvantages
- Proprietary format; creating RAR archives usually requires paid or restricted tools
- Not supported natively by operating systems
- Less convenient than ZIP for recipients without RAR-capable software
Tools & software
Archivers
WinRAR, 7-Zip, PeaZip, Bandizip, Keka, The Unarchiver
CLI
unrar, rar (where licensed), 7z
Frequently asked questions
Why do so many downloads use RAR instead of ZIP?
Historically, RAR provided better compression and features like recovery records and multi-part volumes, which were valuable for large downloads. Many uploaders standardized on RAR along with WinRAR. Today, ZIP and 7z are more common for general use, but RAR is still widely encountered.
Do I need WinRAR to open RAR files?
No. While WinRAR is the original and most popular tool, many free alternatives like 7-Zip, PeaZip, and The Unarchiver can extract RAR files.
Is RAR better than ZIP?
RAR often compresses slightly better and has more advanced features, but ZIP wins on universal compatibility and native OS support. For general sharing, ZIP is usually easier for recipients.
Can I create RAR files for free?
WinRAR offers a trial that continues to work after it expires (with nag screens), and some tools may bundle RAR creation. However, the RAR format is proprietary, and creating RAR archives typically relies on licensed components.
Technical specs
- File type
- Archive
- Extension
- .rar
- MIME type
- application/vnd.rar, application/x-rar-compressed
- Compression
- Lossless
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .rar files instantly
Upload your .rar file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .rar file