RAR is principally an archive file format that helps in data compression and error patch up. RAR is an abbreviation for Roshal Archive and was named after its originator, Eugene Roshal. RAR files have the extension “.rar.”
RAR is a very popular alternative to Zip file format for file compression. Microsoft Windows does not provide an application to open RAR files, but there are some outstanding tools for managing RAR files that users can easily download, install, and use.
The two most recommended tools to open RAR files are 7-Zip and WinRAR.
Opening a RAR File with WinRAR
WinRAR can easily be downloaded from RarLab. Opening a RAR file with WinRAR is simple. Download the tool, install it on the computer, and carefully follow the simple steps below:
- When WInRAR is installed on the computer, it will induce few options into the file icon’s “Right-Click” menu like Extract Files, Extract Here, etc., which help the user to work with WinRAR in an easy way.
- Select the RAR file to be opened/extracted. Right click the RAR file and select “Extract to <rar-file-name>” (here, <rar-file-name> refers to the file to be opened with WinRAR).
- Immediately, a folder will be created with the same name as the RAR file selected and in the same folder. This folder will have all the files and folders that were compressed into the RAR file. This process is known as Extraction.
There is another way of opening a RAR file with WinRAR instead of extracting it. Simply double click on the RAR file to be opened, which will display the WinRAR tool’s interface showing all the compressed files and folders. Simply double click any of the compressed files to open them. The interface encompasses many options to work on the enclosed files and folders. Users can apply these options onto the files and use them.
Opening a RAR File with 7-Zip
7-Zip can also be easily downloaded from 7-zip.org. Opening a RAR file with 7-Zip is easy. Download the tool, install it on the computer, and carefully follow the simple steps given below. The procedure is similar to the WinRAR tool.
- When 7-Zip is installed on the computer, it will induce a new menu option into the file icon’s “Right-Click” menu called “7-Zip.” Under the 7-Zip menu are sub options like Extract Files, Extract Here, etc., which help users to work with 7-Zip in a simpler way.
- Select the RAR file to be opened/extracted. Right click the RAR file and select “7-Zip” -> “Extract to <rar-file-name>.”
- Immediately, a folder will be created with the same name as that of the RAR file selected and in the same folder. This folder will have the files and folders that were compressed into the RAR file.
There is another way of opening a RAR file with 7-Zip instead of extracting it. Simply double click the RAR file to be opened, which will display the 7-Zip tool’s interface showing all the compressed files and folders. Double click any of the compressed files to open it. The interface encompasses many options to work on the enclosed files and folders. Users can apply these options to the files and use them.
Note: Use any one of the above mentioned tools at a time to avoid conflicts and confusion.
