7-Zip
7-Zip is a free file archiver for creating and extracting archives, with a Windows app and command-line versions for Linux and macOS.
About 7-Zip
7-Zip creates and extracts file archives. The Windows application includes a file manager and shell integration, while the official downloads also include command-line versions for Linux and macOS.
It can create 7z and ZIP archives and extract additional formats such as RAR. This distinction matters when choosing an archive format: a format that 7-Zip can open is not necessarily one it can create. The project site documents the format list, encryption options and license.
Key features
- Create 7z and ZIP archives
- Extract RAR and other supported formats
- AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP
Best for: People who need a free archive utility for a desktop or command-line workflow.
Good for
- Free for personal and commercial use
- Graphical Windows app and command-line builds for other desktop systems
Watch out for
- Some supported formats, including RAR, can only be extracted
- Linux and macOS project builds use the command line
7-Zip at a glance
- Website
- 7-zip.org
- Category
- Software & Utilities › File Utilities
- Type
- App
- Pricing
- Free
- Platforms
- Linux, macOS, Windows
- Details verified
- Oct 20, 2026 · Official source
- Open source
- Yes · Source code
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
Guides for File Utilities
7-Zip alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
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ezyZip provides browser-based tools for creating, compressing, and extracting archive files, along with file conversion.
Browse and print file contents with bat, a command-line cat alternative documented in this repository.
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7-Zip FAQ
Is 7-Zip only available for Windows?
No. The official downloads also provide Linux and macOS command-line builds.
Can 7-Zip create RAR files?
No. RAR is listed as an extraction-only format.
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