File Extension Database

Open ARC File

The ARC file extension is a compressed file format designed by System Enhancement Associated (SEA).

About file compression

Compression reduces the size of the file that contains one or more files or folders to make it easier to share files with other users.

The main purpose of compressing a file is to make it smaller so that it takes up less space on your computer.

By doing so you don't affect the content or structure of the file, you just reduce the space it takes up.

It is recommended to compress the files when:

You need to save space: in this case, first compress the largest files that you don't use very often.
You need to send multiple files by email.

Almost all compressed files have the ZIP extension, although they can sometimes have the RAR extension, depending on the application with which they were created.

However, on Linux or Unix-based operating systems, it is very common to see compressed and packaged files in formats such as:

BZ2
G.Z.
ART

The ARC archive is a type of lossless archive.

The ARC format was created in the early 1980s, and was part of a general controversy that led, in principle, to what is now known as the 'open format'.

The ARC file extension is used, however, for various types of files that are similar (compressed) to files that are not related to each other.

For example:

Internet Archive had its own ARC format to store multiple web resources in a single file.
The FreeArc file compressor software also uses the ARC extension, but it uses a completely different file format.
Nintendo uses an ARC format for multimedia resources, such as MIDI, speech or text samples, in GameCube and Wii games.

Software to open and work with an ARC file

There are several unofficial extractors for this type of ARC file.

How Can I Open ARC File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open ARC file is to find a ARC file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ARC file is not opened in an application and you instead get a "Windows can't open a file" error message you should try looking for an application which can open the file in question.
If you know the application which can open ARC file then run it and see if there is a File->Open main menu option in the application.
If you don't know the application which function as ARC file opener then try to search online for "ARC viewer", "application to open ARC file" or "open ARC file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open ARC file

How Can I Open ARC File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a ARC file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a ARC file is not opened in a Mac OS application and you instead get a "There is no application set to open the file" error message you can click on "Search App Store" in the error dialog and Mac OS will show you applications compatible with ARC file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as ARC file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open ARC file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open ARC file then try to search for "ARC viewer", "application to open ARC file" or "read ARC file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read ARC file

How Can I Open ARC File on Android

If you downloaded a ARC file on Android device you can open it by following steps below:

In the Android apps list on your Android device find "My Files" or "File manager" app and tap to start it.
Tap on "Downloads" folder inside the app.
You should see your downloaded ARC file in that folder.
Tap on the file. If Android device supports opening the file you downloaded it will open in the corresponding app.
If file does not open you can look for the corresponding app that can open the file by searching Android App Store for the "ARC".
If you cannot open the file with the apps from Android App Store it is possible that the file could only be opened on desktop platforms such as Windows or Mac OS. Try searching for "ARC viewer", "ARC file reader" online and see if any desktop applications can open it.
It is also possible that the file you downloaded is outdated and is no longer supported.

How to Open ARC File on iPhone or iPad

To open ARC File on iOS device follow steps below:

We advies to open Files app on your iPhone or iPad device. You can find it by swiping down on the home screen and typing "Files" in the search bar.
Tap on the Downloads folder on the Files app home screen.
You will see all files that you recently downloaded. Tap on the ARC file to view it.
If you have the right app that can open it it will automatically launch and open your file.
If you don't have the app which can open it you need to serch Apple app store for "ARC". This way you can find apps which can open ARC files.
If this doesn't help it is possible that your file could be opened only by the desktop application. To find an app which can open it on desktop look for "ARC viewer" or "ARC file" online in your favorite search engine.

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