File Extension Database

Open BZ2 File

File extension BZ2 is found most commonly on UNIX-based operating systems, and is used to denote a file which has been compressed using bzip2, an open source lossless compression algorithm originally released in 1996 by developer Julian Seward.

Like most data compression algorithms developed primarily for use on UNIX-based operating systems, bzip2 contains no archiving facility and can only be used to compress single files. Instead, an archiving utility such as tar will be used to create an archive from a file and folder structure before a utility such as bzip2 or gzip is used to compress it. These are known as compressed archives, and are similar in nature to ZIP or RAR files in Windows.

BZ2 files contain a higher level of compression than other similar file formats such as GZIP, which is achieved by using a number of different compression techniques including Run Length Encoding (RLE), Burrows-Wheeler transform and Huffman coding, the latter of which is also used to compress data in File extension MP3 and File extension JPEG files. These processes are stacked on top of one another to improve data compression to within 10% to 15% of the maximum currently possible, and are carried out in a specific order to create compressed BZ2 files. Decompression of a file simply involves performing the processes in the stack in reverse order. The high compression ratio of BZ2 files mean that they are small but can be slow to create, though decompression is relatively quick making them ideal for distributing files, particularly over networks.

BZ2 files can store data of any kind, and it is not possible to know the contents of a compressed file without extracting it. Applications and files, particularly for the UNIX or Linux platform, are often distributed over the web in BZ2 format. However, BZ2 files should be opened with caution as even though they cannot run the contents on extraction, they could potentially contain malware such as an infected file or application.

BZ2 files can be opened on UNIX and Linux operating systems using unbzip2 from a shell prompt. BZ2 files can also be opened in Windows using an application such as WinRAR, WinZip, Bzip2 or Stuffit, the latter of which is also available on Mac.

Typical BZ2 application file locations:

C:\Program Files (x86)\WinRAR\WinRAR.exe "%1"
"C:\Program Files\WinRAR\WinRAR.exe" "%1"

Frequently used application names to open BZ2 files:

WinRAR

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WinRAR

How Can I Open BZ2 File on Windows

We researched and learned that the best way to open BZ2 file is to find a BZ2 file in question in Windows OS File Explorer and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BZ2 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 BZ2 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 BZ2 file opener then try to search online for "BZ2 viewer", "application to open BZ2 file" or "open BZ2 file" queries in the search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can open BZ2 file

How Can I Open BZ2 File on Mac OS

We recommend to find a BZ2 file in question in Mac OS Finder and double click on it to launch the corresponding application.
If a BZ2 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 BZ2 file.
If you know the Mac OS application which can work as BZ2 file opener you can choose the "Choose Application..." option in the error box to associate the file extension and open BZ2 file in it.
If you don't know the application which can open BZ2 file then try to search for "BZ2 viewer", "application to open BZ2 file" or "read BZ2 file" queries in the online search engine you like.
Install the application you found and check if it can read BZ2 file

How Can I Open BZ2 File on Android

If you downloaded a BZ2 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 BZ2 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 "BZ2".
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 "BZ2 viewer", "BZ2 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 BZ2 File on iPhone or iPad

To open BZ2 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 BZ2 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 "BZ2". This way you can find apps which can open BZ2 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 "BZ2 viewer" or "BZ2 file" online in your favorite search engine.