File Extension Database

Open TAR File

TAR file extension is most commonly associated with an uncompressed archive created by the tar utility, and are most often found on UNIX-based operating systems. TAR files are usually used in conjunction with another utility such as GZIP or BZIP, which will be used to compress the archive to reduce the file size.

TAR files were originally developed for use with sequential backup systems such as tape. Whilst this allows the creation of TAR files from any stream of data input, it does mean that extracting single files is slow as the entire archive must be read through. TAR files, otherwise known as tarballs, are commonly used for backup purposes or to package files for distribution, and will retain the original file and folder structure once extracted. Usually, TAR files are compressed using an additional utility such as gzip or bzip to save space, and will have either a File extension TGZ or File extension TBZ file extension. This means that the file is an archive which has been created with the tar utility then compressed using either gzip or bzip2. These are equivalent to ZIP or RAR files found commonly on Windows systems.

TAR files are simply a packaged file and folder structure, and as such can be used to store data of any kind. Usually, TAR files contain backups of data or applications which have been packaged for distribution over a network, and whilst files within an archive are not run on extraction, caution should be used when opening archives from unknown sources as the contents could potentially be malicious. Additionally, poorly or maliciously created archives, sometimes called tarbombs, can dump files in the current directory, or overwrite important files in other directories on extraction. This can be inconvenient at best or at worst destructive if key files are overwritten, which is another reason to be wary of opening TAR files from unknown sources.

You can open TAR files by the majority of archiving utilities such as WinZip, 7-Zip, WinACE and Stuffit, the latter of which is available on both the Windows and Mac platforms. Alternatively, a TAR file can be extracted on any UNIX-based system from a shell prompt using tar -xf, which will restore the original file and folder structure. Alternatively, tar -tf can be used, which will display the paths to which files and folders will be extracted. This can be used to identify whether or not an archives contents are malicious or could cause a problem by overwriting existing files.

Typical TAR application file locations:

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

Frequently used application names to open TAR files:

WinRAR

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WinRAR

How Can I Open TAR File on Windows

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

How Can I Open TAR File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open TAR File on Android

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

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