As technology continues to evolve, more people are turning to the 7z format for compressing and archiving large files or collections of files. A popular archive file format that offers high compression ratios and strong encryption, the 7z format is widely used for sharing and storing large files. However, trying to extract and open 7z files on different operating systems can be challenging. In this article, we will walk you through how to open and extract 7z files on Windows, Mac, and Linux platforms.
How to Open and Extract 7z Files in Windows
Using 7-Zip:
The first option is using 7-Zip, which is a free, open-source software for Windows that allows you to open, extract, and compress 7z files. It has a user-friendly interface and supports a wide range of other formats, including ZIP, RAR, and TAR. 7-Zip is popular among users for its simplicity and effectiveness.
Using WinRAR:
Another popular option for Windows users is WinRAR, which can open and extract 7z files, along with other formats like RAR. It offers a free trial, but a license is required for continued use.
Using PeaZip:
PeaZip is a versatile, open-source file archiver that supports 7z files and is available for Windows and Linux. It provides strong encryption and an easy-to-use interface, and users find it helpful for managing large files.
How to Open and Extract 7z Files on Mac
Using Keka:
Keka is a reliable and user-friendly compression utility for Mac that can open and extract 7z files. It is available for free download from the Mac App Store and is highly recommended by Mac users.
Using The Unarchiver:
The Unarchiver is a popular and free utility for Mac that supports opening and extracting 7z files, among many other formats. It boasts a simple interface and is easy to use, making it a favorite among Mac users.
Using BetterZip:
BetterZip is a powerful compression utility for Mac that supports opening and extracting 7z files, along with a wide range of other formats. It offers advanced features, such as file preview, password management, and batch operations. BetterZip offers a free trial with a purchase option for continued use.
How to Open and Extract 7z Files in Linux
Using p7zip:
p7zip is an open-source command-line utility for Linux that allows you to open, extract, and compress 7z files. It is based on the original 7-Zip software and is available in most Linux distributions’ package managers. The documentation for usage instructions and examples is readily available.
Using Ark:
Ark is a versatile, open-source archiving utility for Linux that supports 7z files. It features an easy-to-use graphical interface and is available for installation via most Linux package managers. The software is highly recommended for Linux users.
Using File Roller:
File Roller is the default archive manager for GNOME-based Linux distributions, and it supports opening and extracting 7z files. It offers a simple, user-friendly interface and can be easily installed via your distribution’s package manager. The software is helpful for Linux users to manage large files.
Open, Extract, and Compress in 7z
Now that you know how to open and extract 7z files on Windows, Mac, and Linux, it’s important to understand how to compress files into the 7z format. Most of the tools mentioned above, such as 7-Zip, Keka, and p7zip, can also compress files into 7z archives, making it easier to share or store large files.
Conclusion
Opening and extracting 7z files can be effortless, thanks to the variety of software available across different operating systems. Whether you’re using Windows, Mac, or Linux, there are suitable tools that can handle 7z files with ease. It’s essential to explore each option’s features and choose the one that best fits your needs.
FAQs
Is the 7z format better than ZIP or RAR?
Yes, the 7z format generally offers higher compression ratios compared to ZIP and RAR, making it more efficient for compressing large files.
Are there any online tools to open and extract 7z files?
Yes, several online tools, such as B1 Online Archiver and Extract.me, allow you to open and extract 7z files directly. However, using online tools may expose your files to privacy risks.
