File Extension Database

Open TGZ File

File extension TGZ refers to a compressed archive file, and is most commonly used on UNIX based operating systems. The TGZ extension is a shortened version of File extension TAR.File extension GZ, and was originally used to overcome the three-letter, single file extension limit found on old MS-DOS operating systems.

TAR, which is derived from the term tape archive, is an archive format used on UNIX-based operating systems. Originally, TAR files, sometimes referred to as tarballs, were designed to be used with sequential backup systems such as tape, though are now widely used to archive files for backup on any media, or for distribution purposes. However, TAR files contain no compression, and so are usually used in conjunction with a compression algorithm such as GNU Zip, more commonly known as GZIP. Archiving a folder and then compressing it will therefore create a TAR.GZ file, which can be shortened to TGZ. These are in essence the equivalent to file formats such as ZIP on the Windows platform.

TGZ files are compressed archives, and as such can contain files of any type. The contents of a TGZ file can be seen using a compatible archive application or by running tar -ztvf on the archive file from a UNIX/Linux shell prompt. Though TGZ files are not self extracting executables, caution should be observed when opening compressed archives from unknown sources as they could contain malicious files such as viruses or spyware.

TGZ files can be opened using popular archiving utilities such as WinZip, WinRAR or Stuffit, the latter of which is available on both the Windows and Mac platform. Alternatively, TGZ files can be opened in UNIX or Linux based operating systems by first uncompressing the archive using gunzip, then extracting the contents of the archive using tar -xf which will restore the archives original file and folder structure.

Typical TGZ application file locations:

"C:\Program Files\WinRAR\WinRAR.exe" "%1"

Frequently used application names to open TGZ files:

WinRAR

Frequently associated Windows objects:

WinRAR

How Can I Open TGZ File on Windows

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

How Can I Open TGZ File on Mac OS

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

How Can I Open TGZ File on Android

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

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