Extracts file from RAR, ZIP, ARJ, 7z and other types of archives. Creates regular, multi-volume and secure archives. Its own compression algorithm (7z) is stronger than RAR or ZIP.
7-Zip is a file archiver that supports a wide range of formats. One of the biggest attractions of 7-Zip is its totally free, open-source nature. You don’t need to sign up, subscribe, or provide any coded secret handshake. You just install it and let it do its magic.
Another advantage is its stellar compression ratio, thanks to LZMA and LZMA2 in its preferred 7z format, which allow you to get smaller file sizes while keeping all your data intact. If you’re still mailing around ZIPs and GZs, 7-Zip typically squeezes them 2–10% more effectively than good old PKZip or WinZip.
Of course, it’s not just about 7z and ZIP. 7-Zip unpacks everything from RAR and ISO to some format you might not even recognize like APFS and QCOW2. 7-Zip gets along with virtually any compressed file you throw at it.
A few other perks: there’s strong AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP files. It can also create self-extracting archives in 7z, so you don’t need 7-Zip installed to open them. Plus, it hooks into File Explorer, so you can right-click files to compress or extract at lightning speed. If you love the command line, 7-Zip also has a powerful command line version.
In short, 7-Zip is a no-cost, no-nonsense tool for compressing and decompressing just about anything. It’s free, open-source, and highly effective. In addition, you can deploy it at home or at your big corporate job without worrying about hidden fees or license police.
Comments (191)
I like this program a lot.