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How to Open RAR, 7Z and ZIP Files Online

Someone sent you a RAR file and your phone cannot open it. You can open RAR files online, along with 7Z and ZIP, right in your browser. There is no app to install and no software to buy, and it works on Android, iPhone and computers.

This guide explains what these files are, how to open them with PDF Hydra's ZIP and RAR Opener, and what to do with the files inside.

ZIP and RAR Opener: Open ZIP, RAR, 7Z and TAR files and take out only what you need.

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What RAR, 7Z and ZIP files are

These are archive files. An archive is like a folder packed into one file. People use them to send many documents at once, or to make files smaller for email.

ZIP is the most common type. RAR and 7Z are also popular, but many phones and office computers cannot open them without extra software.

Open an archive with PDF Hydra

ZIP and RAR Opener opens ZIP, RAR, 7Z, TAR, TAR.GZ, GZ, BZ2, XZ, ISO, CAB, JAR, APK, CBZ and CBR files. The archive is read inside your browser, so nothing is uploaded.

  1. Open ZIP and RAR Opener in your browser.
  2. Select the ZIP, RAR, 7Z or other archive from your phone or computer.
  3. Look through the list of files and their sizes.
  4. Tap a file to view it, or save just that one file.
  5. If you want to share the whole archive in an easier format, turn it into a ZIP.

ZIP and RAR Opener: Open ZIP, RAR, 7Z and TAR files and take out only what you need.

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View files without extracting everything

You do not have to unpack the whole archive. Tap a document or picture to view it straight in the viewer. This is handy when you only need one file out of many, or when your phone is short on space.

If you need a file for later, save just that one file instead of downloading the whole archive.

Turn RAR or 7Z into ZIP

ZIP is easier for most people to open. You can turn a RAR, 7Z or TAR archive into a ZIP that keeps all its files. This helps when you need to forward documents to someone who cannot open RAR.

If the archive holds scans or photos that you need as one document, ZIP to PDF joins the images and PDFs inside a ZIP into one PDF.

Tips for working with archives

  • Check the archive size before you open it on a phone. Very large archives need more memory and time.
  • Look at the file names and sizes in the list before you save anything, so you only take what you need.
  • Only open archives from people you know. If an archive holds an app or program file you did not expect, do not install it.
  • Rename saved files with clear names, such as your name and the document type, before you send them on.

Other files you cannot open

Sometimes the file inside the archive is the problem, such as a PSD, a spreadsheet or an unusual document type. File Viewer opens many file types on one page and picks the right viewer by itself. It also runs in your browser, so the file is not uploaded.

Archives that are locked with a password are not supported at the moment. Ask the sender for an unlocked copy.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open a RAR file on my phone?

Select the RAR file in ZIP and RAR Opener and the list of files appears. Tap a file to view it or save it, with no app to install.

Can I convert RAR to ZIP?

Yes. Open the RAR, 7Z or TAR file and choose to turn it into a ZIP. All the files are included.

Can I open a password-protected ZIP or RAR?

Not yet. Archives that are locked with a password are not supported at the moment.

Are my files uploaded?

No. The archive is read inside your browser and stays on your device.

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