File Extension Database

Open RAR File

File extension RAR is used to denote a compressed archive using the proprietary RAR archiving format, which supports data compression, spanning and error recovery. Though less common, RAR files are also used to denote a Resource Adapter Archive, which is the specified format for the deployment of resource adapters, or connectors, on IBM's WebSphere Application Server.

The RAR compressed archive file format was originally developed by Russian Eugene Roshal, hence the file extension which was taken from Roshal ARchive. RAR files typically take longer to compress, though have a higher compression ratio than other popular archiving formats such as File extension ZIP or GZIP. The exact improvement in compression largely depends on the types of file being compressed. As well as data compression, RAR files support spanning, which means that archives can be split across multiple volumes. In this case, the first file in the archive will retain the RAR file extension, with subsequent volumes numbered in the form File extension R00 up to File extension R99. The entire archive can be browsed by opening the original RAR file. This was a particularly useful feature for compressing large volumes of data. Some RAR files may also contain a recovery volume, which allows the contents of an archive to be restored in the even of minor corruption. RAR archives also support password protection and strong 128-bit AES encryption algorithms.

Currently, RAR files can only be created using commercial software such as WinRAR or Squeeze, both of which are only available on Windows. The command-line version, RAR, can be used to create and extract archives on Windows, Mac, Linux and UNIX-based operating systems. However, you can open RAR file and extract its content by several applications such as WinZIP, WinAce and Stuffit, courtesy of the freely available UnRAR source code from RARLAB which allows developers to incorporate RAR decompression into their applications.

Typical RAR application file locations:

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

Frequently used application names to open RAR files:

WinRAR

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WinRAR

How Can I Open RAR File on Windows

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

How Can I Open RAR File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open RAR File on Android

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

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