How to Open and Use ZIP or RAR Files

Compressed files ending with the extension .ZIP and/or .RAR are widely used for reducing file sizes, organizing multiple files into one package, and ensuring easy sharing. Whether you’re downloading resources, sharing large files, or archiving data, knowing how to work with compressed files is essential. This guide covers the basics of opening and using .ZIP and .RAR files, along with global usage trends and free vs. paid software options.

What Are .ZIP, .RAR, and Other Compression Formats?

.ZIP Files

ZIP is one of the most commonly used file compression formats. It allows users to store multiple files in a single archive while reducing file size. ZIP files can be opened without additional software on most operating systems.

.RAR Files

RAR is a proprietary compression format known for its high compression ratio and ability to split archives into multiple parts. Unlike ZIP files, RAR files require special software to open and extract.

Other Compression Formats

While ZIP and RAR are the most popular, other formats also offer unique advantages:

.7z (7-Zip) – Offers high compression ratios and supports strong AES-256 encryption.
.TAR (.tar.gz, .tar.bz2, .tar.xz) – Commonly used on Linux systems for bundling multiple files, often combined with gzip or bzip2 for compression.
.ISO – Used for disk images rather than traditional file compression.
.XZ – Provides better compression than gzip but is slower.

How to Open .ZIP and .RAR Files

On Windows

ZIP:
- Right-click the ZIP file and select Extract All.
- Choose a destination folder and click Extract.
RAR:
- Use free software like 7-Zip or WinRAR.
- Right-click the RAR file and select Extract Here or Extract to [folder name].

On macOS

ZIP: Double-click the file, and macOS will extract it automatically.
RAR: Use apps like The Unarchiver or Keka to extract RAR files.

On Mobile (Android & iOS)

Android: Use apps like RAR for Android, ZArchiver, or WinZip.
iOS: Use apps like iZip or Unzip from the App Store.

Global Usage of ZIP and RAR Files

ZIP is universally supported and used widely for everyday file compression, including in business and personal file transfers.
RAR is popular among power users, software distribution, and gaming communities due to its superior compression and encryption features.
7z is gaining popularity due to its high compression efficiency and open-source nature.
TAR-based formats are widely used in Linux environments, especially for system backups and software distribution.
In regions with limited bandwidth, compressed files like RAR and 7z are favored for saving data during downloads.
Businesses and creative professionals often use ZIP archives for document storage and cloud transfers.

Note: The percentages for ZIP (70%), RAR (25%), and Other Formats (5%) are estimated based on general industry trends and software popularity. There is no publicly available comprehensive dataset on the exact global usage of compression formats. These figures are derived from observed usage patterns across various platforms, user communities, and file-sharing practices.

Free vs. Paid Software for ZIP and RAR Files

Software	File Support	Free Version	Paid Version
7-Zip	ZIP, RAR (extraction only), 7z, TAR, and more	Yes	No
WinRAR	ZIP, RAR, and others	Free trial (never expires)	Yes
WinZip	ZIP, RAR, and others	Limited free use	Yes
The Unarchiver	ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, and more (macOS)	Yes	No
Keka	ZIP, RAR, 7z, TAR, and more (macOS)	Yes	Optional donation
RAR for Android	ZIP, RAR	Yes	Yes

Windows:

7-Zip → A free and open-source file archiver with a high compression ratio.
WinRAR → A powerful archive manager that can create and decompress RAR and ZIP files.
WinZip → A popular file compression and management tool.

macOS:

The Unarchiver → A free and easy-to-use program that can unpack many different kinds of archive files.
Keka → A free file archiver for macOS.

Android:

RAR for Android → A free app to create and decompress RAR and ZIP files.
ZArchiver → A free archive management program.

iOS:

iZip → A free app to create and open ZIP files.
Unzip → A free app to open ZIP files.

These applications offer a range of features to help you manage compressed files on various platforms.

Final Thoughts

ZIP and RAR files help users store and share data efficiently, but choosing the right tool depends on your needs. For everyday use, built-in ZIP extraction works well, while advanced users may benefit from RAR compression, 7z’s efficiency, or specialized software.

Do you prefer ZIP or RAR for compression? Let us know in the comments!