In addition to the photos and videos that are handled on the network, files of any kind also exhibit a remarkable distribution in this environment. However, many of these are heavy and for that reason, it becomes extremely difficult to download them due to the remarkable size they have.
That is why, websites choose to compress them in order to facilitate and expedite the download of heavy files and also ensure greater space savings on the different devices from where these are downloaded documents So, when you open them, it will be necessary to have a compressed file decompressor .
For its part, it should be noted that, currently, the most used file compression formats or extensions are the ZIP and the RAR. But, in this post, we will focus on everything related to RAR files , taking into account what programs are required to read them from a Windows or Mac computer > and what apps are available to do it from Android and iOS smartphones .
Index:
What is a RAR file and what kind of programs are needed? to read it?
Basically, a RAR file consists of a collection of documents, programs or any other file that has been reduced in size and at the same time, has been grouped into a single compressed file, which It is known as “archive.” Taking into account that, it is a compression extension newer than the ZIP format , so there are fewer software and applications capable of opening such files.
However, even so, it is considered that compression in RAR is better than with any other configuration, thanks to reducing the size much more . Which means that RAR compression has a much higher compression ratio. In a way that simplifies the distribution of information over the Internet and reduces the time of its download .
On the other hand, as for the programs that are required to be able to execute this type of files, they are those known as “RAR compressors” . Which are also identified by admitting the creation of multivolume files. On the other hand, those that are needed to access the RAR files that are within a file of that class are those that has a decompression utility that can read them .
List of the best programs to compress or decompress files Windows or Mac computer
To know the best solutions available for both compressing and decompressing RAR files, it is necessary to start with the software capable of doing this on Windows and Mac computers .
So, here are some of the most optimal programs:
WinRAR
It is considered the most recognized program to compress RAR files , in view of the incredible levels of compression it exhibits. Like, because it has the ability to view and extract RAR files, but at the same time, you can officially create them . Thus, one of the softwares capable of doing the latter.
For its part, it should be noted that WinRAR is only compatible with Windows versions . So, if you have a PC, it is truly essential that you install this very useful program on it, even to extract ZIP files as well. In addition to that, it is a free solution that offers a paid version with extra features.
Download WinRAR Windows
PeaZip
This is a tool that has the ability to decompress and extract RAR, TAR, ZIP files very quickly and easily. Even, it also manages to create the recognized RAR files from its clean interface with an integrated browser that simplifies the experience. In addition to this, provides AES-256-based encryption and even two-factor authentication, in addition to offering a highly qualified password manager.
Among other features, it is worth noting that it is an open source software that has compatibility with Windows and Mac, as with Linux . Taking into account that, it is available in a portable version and thanks to this, it is completely autonomous in reference to file management. That is, you do not need additional facilities.
Download PeaZip Windows
7-ZIP
Free of charge, this program is cataloged as the best one to compress and decompress files. Since, although it handles its own file compression format called “7z”, has compatibility with the vast majority of configurations . Among which are the RAR files, but only to perform their decompression (does not support compression of this format).
In this sense, it is a program available for Microsoft Windows, MacOS and GNU / Linux that shows a completely elementary interface and this makes it easier for users to carry out any process there in reference to the extraction of RAR files. On the other hand, it is valuable to highlight that it has the ability to compress huge files up to 16 billion gigabytes with high compression rates.
Download 7-ZIP Windows
iZArc
Compatible with RAR, 7z, ZIP, TAR, ACE, ARJ, MIM, MBF, ZOO, CAB, CDI, CPIO, DEB and many other file formats; This free software for Windows is an effective solution to compress files today. Since, it is very fast and flexible, as well as simple to use. Since it even guides you through the process.
For more details, iZArc provides high-end security , thanks to the fact that it encrypts all your files with a password and using the famous AES-256 encryption and even allows you to scan the files online to make sure they don’t contain viruses, through a function called “VirusTotal” . Among other details, it allows the creation of files, you can create multiextractable files, convert from one configuration to another , etc.
Download iZArc Windows
WinZip
Compatible with Windows and MacOS, this program is designed to open and extract different file formats. Among them, there are: ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, TZ, ISO, CAB, BZ2, MIME, among many others. Therefore, it is worth using this program, which also has full integration with Microsoft Office , in the case of Windows, to simplify the compression processes.
For its part, it is a tool that has cloud compatibility, provides certain advanced options regarding file sharing, allows you to make backup copies and also keep your files safe and encrypted . As for its user interface, we highlight that it is adapted for different devices and is easy to understand. However, is not a free solution .
Download WinZip Windows
Express Zip
To open and extract files like RAR, ZIP, TAR, ISO, 7 ZIP, CAB, GZ and other storage file formats, this program is extremely ideal. Which, available for Microsoft Windows and Mac , is very efficient and capable of creating ZIP files. In addition to this, it is easy to use, because it has a “drag and drop” function.
In addition, it allows you to protect and encrypt your information contained in these files from passwords and you can archive the data on CD or DVD to save backup copies. Like other extra features, it has a simple file management, as it has options to edit or move the contents and, on the other hand, allows you to convert any format into ZIP files .
Download Express Zip Windows
RAR for Mac
As its name implies, it is a lightweight tool for Mac that will allow you to unzip files with RAR and ZIP format, even create them very easily. In addition to this, the program is free and has a powerful file manager with which you can make backup copies of your data and even reduce the size of those files attached to the email.
It should be noted that, RAR for Mac works from the command line via terminal . For your part, to perform the decompression process, you have to place the files in any folder on the hard drive and run the utility by simply writing the full path of the application, followed by the indicated parameters.
Download RAR MacOS
HaoZip
As another alternative available for several versions of Windows , we highlight this program which, although not very recognized, is an excellent mechanism for compressing files and referring to their management. In view of that, it has support for several formats, such as: RAR, ZIP, 7ZIP, CAB, ACE and about 35 more. It also also handles disk images or ISO.
Best of all, is completely free and has a very easy-to-use interface, which is integrated into the Explorer menu. For its part, it has the ability to create ZIP, TAR, or 7ZIP files and extract all the content very easily.
Download HaoZip MacOS
UnRarX for Mac
This is another option for Mac users who need to unzip files with RAR configuration . Since, this program has this function specifically and, in addition, it offers the possibility to check if the content of said file is corrupt.
On the other hand, it has an extremely user-friendly user interface. Since, you just have to select the file to be decompressed, drag and drop it to initialize the process . But, if you prefer, you can double click on the Finder on the file to be decompressed. It’s free.
Download UnRarX MacOS
ALZip
To finish with the list of the best programs for computers when opening RAR files, we refer to this software developed by ESTsoft especially for Windows users. Which, luckily, supports up to 40 types of compressed files and among them, we find the RAR, ZIP, ACE, EGG, ALX.
In this sense, it allows you to compress and decompress all the amount of files you need and it does so effectively. On the other hand, one of its best advantages is that it has the ability to recover the passwords of your ZIP files, thanks to a tool that contains and is identified as “AlZip Lost Password Recovery” .
Download ALZip Windows
List of the best applications to open RAR on your Android smartphone e iOS
Many of the users prefer to manage their files directly from the mobile and for this reason, it is also important to have alternatives to do it through applications available for Android and iPhone.
Next, we mention in detail some of the best apps capable of opening files with RAR format :
WinZIP
Available for Android and iOS devices, free of charge, this mobile application is one of the most qualified for file management easily. Thanks to that, supports the RAR format and also others like ZIP, 7Z, LHA, ZIPX , etc. In such a way that, he manages to open them and extract them very simply.
Added to this, it has integration with the most famous cloud services, such as Google Drive and Dropbox. Therefore, you can connect directly to one of these accounts and compress, decompress or share the files. In addition, it provides remarkable security and so you can protect your files with a powerful 128 or 256 bit AES encryption .
ZArchiver
As another solution for Android users, we present this app with which it is possible to decompress several types of files , such as: RAR, RAR5, ZIP, GZIP, BZIP2, TAR, TBZ, RPM, etc. Besides that it allows to create ZIP, 7Z, TAR and several more. Taking into account that, it issues the possibility of creating and decompressing, also, files protected with passwords.
On the other hand, ZArchiver allows you to open files directly from messaging apps, has multithreaded support so it is useful for multicore processors and all this, for free. It should be noted that it shows a very well designed and easy to use interface.