Applications for unpacking zip. How to open a .ZIP file

7-Zip is a free archiver program in Russian for unpacking or compressing files on Windows. It was developed in 1999, and has now become one of the leaders among similar products. In 2007, in a specialized competition SourceForge Community Choice Awards it received awards in two prestigious categories for best project and best technical design. You can download 7-Zip for free on this page.

The program is developed for Windows and is supported by all its versions, including Windows CE - the operating system for smartphones, laptops and embedded systems. Runs either graphically or using the command line.

Features of the 7-Zip archiver

When compressing files in 7-Zip, multiple threads are used simultaneously, which significantly speeds up the process. For example, when archiving in zip format, up to eight streams are used simultaneously. That is why this program is ahead of many of its competitors in terms of file archiving speed. For example, on a computer with a single core processor the compression speed is almost identical to WinRAR, and on a dual core processor it is significantly higher than the latter. You can download 7-Zip in Russian for free from our website.

With 7-Zip you can zip and unzip files in almost all popular file formats: 7z, WIM, TB2, BZIP2, BZ2, GZIP, TBZ, TAR, JAR, GZ, TBZ2, XZ, ZIP and TGZ. In addition, the program easily unpacks (but does not pack) other formats: ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, CramFS, DEB, DMG, FAT, HFS, MBR, ISO, LZH (LHA), LZMA, MBR, MSI, NSIS, NTFS, RAR, RPM, SquashFS, UDF, VHD, XAR, Z (TAZ). By the way, this archiver compresses ZIP and GZIP formats 10% better than WinZip. And the 7z format is 25% better than ZIP, which is already a good advantage.

Unpacking and packing ZIP/RAR archives are file operations that Android OS users cannot avoid. Even on a phone, there is a need to archive a folder or extract the contents of a downloaded file. There are quite a lot of archivers on Google Play. However, a small part pleases with its functionality and list of supported formats - unpacking and packaging.

If you are tired of using random software to unzip files onto an SD card, pay attention to the utilities presented. We have selected the best archivers for Android in terms of speed and functionality. They are comfortable and practical. With the help of unpacking programs, you can quickly archive/extract packed files. And without the headaches of wasting disk space and RAM on your mobile device.

Mobile zip and rar archivers for Android. Review participants

So, here is a list of popular archivers for Android OS that can be considered optimal for everyday use on smartphones and tablets:

What are mobile unpackers for Android capable of, and what advantages do they offer mobile device users? Carefully read the review of archivers below.

RAR for Android from RARLAB - a full-fledged WinRar for Android

To date RAR for Android is perhaps the most functional and popular rar archiver for Android, and it’s completely free. The functionality of the application is kept at a high level, as evidenced by reviews on Google Play, as well as the personal experience of the review author. Using the RAR application, you can create and unpack not only ZIP and RAR archives, but also open files with the following extensions: TAR, GZ, 7z, XZ, BZ2, ARJ. Of course, these formats are much less common on Android, however, sometimes you have to work with them.

WinRAR archiver interface on Android

However, this is not a complete list of the capabilities of the RAR for Android unpacker: for example, Winrar allows you to quickly restore damaged ZIP and RAR files and measure unpacking performance in the Android OS. In general, all the familiar WinRAR functions are at a discount for the fact that we are still dealing with a mobile archiver.

Now let's move directly to the settings of the Winrar archiver, which relate to working with archives. There are certain conveniences when managing archives - for example, you can set archives as priority files in the file manager list - and they will be visible. You can also enable the display of hidden archive files and add archive names to the history, which will undoubtedly speed up access to them in the future. Of particular note is the Path settings section. Here you can specify the default unpacking folder, change the default archive name, etc. For lists of files, you can set a specific encoding and sort.

Despite its high popularity and good functionality, the RAR for Android application has both pros and cons.

Pros of RAR for Android

[+] High performance, "Vinrar" quickly responds to commands;
[+] Ability to restore damaged files from an archive;
[+] At the moment, you can download the RAR for Android archiver for Android completely free of charge, which is good news;

Disadvantages of zip and rar unpacker

[-] It is not possible to change the archiver interface: select the color, font;
[-] If there is another archive in the archive, the application may complain when unpacking;
[-] Temporary folders in RAR for Android are deleted an hour after the archive is closed, so you can forget about privacy

Summary. Overall, the RAR for Android archiver left a positive impression. Working with archives is convenient - there are all the usual options of the popular WinRAR archiver. In addition, a nice dark interface and Russian localization increase the convenience of this archiver. You can download the rar archiver for Android using the link below.

AndroZip archiver - create a zip archive in two clicks!

Program AndroZip is not just a zip archiver for Android OS, but also for phones. Using the application, you can move, copy, delete, compress and unpack encrypted ZIP and RAR archives. In addition, the program allows you to quickly find and organize files in the Android OS, music, audiobooks, videos and photos of your smartphone.

AndroZip functionality is available in the archiver settings

The AndroZip application is perfectly optimized for unpacking zip and rar archives on phones and tablets running Android OS. It works quickly, no errors occur while unpacking archives. In addition to working with encrypted files, the rar archiver for Android allows you to send packed archive files to your friends and acquaintances, for example, via Skype or email.

This zip archiver includes additional tools that are often useful for Android - a task manager and an application manager. However, this has minimal, if not any, relation to the functions of the archiver.

In the settings of the AndroZip application, the user can change the display mode of folders or archives - a simple or detailed list, icons, line size and other visual settings of the built-in file manager. Similar to the above-mentioned RAR for Android application, you can change the sorting mode and enable the display of hidden content on your smartphone. Regarding the archiver settings, there are practically none. The only option is the compression size of the ZIP archive.

Pros of the AndroZip application:

[+] Zip archiver for Android works quickly,
[+] does not consume a lot of system resources
[+] functionality and multitasking when working with zip archives, packaging and unpacking;
[+] AndroZip supports almost all known and popular archive resolutions (see table);

Of the minuses:

[-] The interface of this archiver on Android is not the most intuitive; it’s not easy to get used to the application;
[-] Sometimes an error appears that does not allow you to copy files to the memory card (this can be solved by restarting the AndroZip application);

Summary. This simple zip packer for Android, on the one hand, impresses with its simplicity: you can compress the archive with two clicks through the context menu. On the other hand, AndroZip's poor toolkit and lack of options still allows you to give preference to other archivers, which all work with ZIP and are more flexible in compression settings.

WinZip - a convenient zip archiver for Android

WinZip is primarily a zip archiver, although there are more decompression formats available. Using this utility, it is convenient to create archives on your phone and send them by mail to other users over the Internet. Similarly, you can save and open packaged files received via the Internet - for example, by email or from an SD card.

Important functions of the WinZip archiver include serious protection and convenient access to files stored in the Google Drive and Dropbox cloud. This way you can package data directly in the cloud.

Key features of the free version of the zip archiver:

Creation of Zip/Zipx archives
Unpacking in Zip(x), 7z, RAR and CBZ
Sending packaged files by mail
View image files and text documents using the built-in file manager
Unpacking protected Zip/7z archives using AES 128- or 256-bit encryption
Automatic unpacking and installation of applications in apk format downloaded from the Application Store (Google Play, etc.)

The premium version of WinZip for Android also offers:

Archive protection with encryption - 128- and 256-bit AES
Cloud integration with Google Drive and Dropbox cloud for quick access to files on your computer or phone.

B1 Archiver - another zip archiver for Android

B1 Archiver is a free cross-platform file unpacker for Windows/Linux/Mac and, of course, for Android. By the way, the same developers (Catalina Group Ltd.) released B1 File Manager. By the way, this file manager for Android OS is convenient to use in conjunction with an archiver.

So, what is interesting about the B1 Archiver file unpacker and archiver for Android? Here are its main functions:

unpacking zip archives, rar, b1 and about 40 formats for Android
creating password-protected archives in b1 or zip format (in the paid version the list additionally includes rar and 7z archives)
packing files on the phone into multi-volume separated rar and b1 archives with sequential file numbering
Convenient navigation through file archives on Android using a special file manager
selective unpacking of files on the phone – individual files and folders at the user’s discretion

Summary. Thus, the B1 Archiver zip unpacker can be safely recommended to all Android users who are satisfied with two packaging formats (zip and b1). Don't forget about four dozen possible unpacking formats - this is more than enough, so the archiver for Android B1 Archiver will help you unpack any archive on Android downloaded from the Internet.

ZArchiver - another zip unpacker for Android

This is a lightweight but quite functional archiver for devices running Android OS. It skillfully handles files of any resolution: ZIP, RAR, 7z, Tar, XZ, bzip2 and others. Having this application on board, you can easily compress and decompress archives, view their contents, change and delete them, if necessary.

Immediately when you launch ZArchiver, a user dialog with archiver settings appears: you can specify a design theme, select an icon style and interface language. If Android conflicts with the encoding of archive files, you can change the initial encoding CP866 - Russian DOS is used by the default archiver in Android.

ZIP and RAR archiver ZArchiver

Note that the application supports multi-threaded operation, which significantly reduces the load on the processor. In addition, it perfectly supports UTF-8 encoding, allowing you to quickly and conveniently display all information about files. Of particular note is the built-in explorer, which even implements multi-selection.

Although ZArchiver is a fairly compact archiver, it has many settings, which also relate to archiving itself. You can select your home folder, which will be opened in the ZArchiver archiver first. The behavior of the unpacker is flexibly configured: confirmation of operations, saving, working with ZIP and RAR archives (copy, paste, select) and other subtle aspects of archiving. Regarding the interface, it has already been said - it is configured when ZArchiver is launched.

Most of the useful parameters of this utility for working with archives relate to file compression parameters. Thus, the user has access to such options as the 7Z and ZIP compression level, the number of processor cores, various methods and compression levels.

Among the advantages of the ZArchiver archiver:

[+] The application is not resource-intensive when packing and unpacking rar and zip archives; it quickly “manages” archives of any size;
[+] ZArchiver developers often update the program: they make it better, add new functions and features;
[+] If errors occur, they are quickly corrected, it is possible to customize the application to your liking (change the color scheme, etc.);

Of the minuses:

[-] The ZArchiver archiver loads RAM, so other applications may freeze when compressing or decompressing archives

Summary. Still don't know which applications to use to extract ZIP or RAR archives? In this case, you need to quickly download ZArchiver - a zip archiver for Android that will help solve this problem! Please note that each of the presented applications is distributed completely free of charge. There is no need to buy “Pro” or any keys to unlock the full functionality of the archiver. You can download this archiver for Android using the link.

Total Commander (built-in file unpacker)

For those users who do not want to burden themselves with installing a separate unpacker on Android, there is this recipe: use the capabilities of your file manager. Check if it supports archiving and unpacking archives. As a rule, this function is present in file managers initially.

In particular, the mobile version of Total Commander for Android works great with winrar and zip archives, since it has a fairly functional archiver integrated into it. To work with the unpacker, you do not need to install additional modules. Here are just some of the features of the unpacker:

Support for ZIP archives larger than 4GB
Unpacking ZIP/RAR files to an external SD card
Opening and unzipping files placed on an external memory card
Custom compression when packing zip and rar archives

Thus, Total Commander, similar to its desktop version, can be used as an unpacker for Android. This is really convenient: all operations with archives are as convenient as when working with regular files and folders.

If you need more fine-tuning of certain types of archives, then use other, more specialized archivers - the same Winrar for Android. However, most users prefer to use file managers - why install separate archivers for Android if Total Commander has taken everything into account?

Built-in ES Explorer unpacker

Another venerable file manager, ES Explorer, handles unpacking archives perfectly out of the box. The built-in archiver is convenient because it is a built-in feature of ES Explorer. That is, to work with archives you do not need to install additional applications. For many users this is the best option.

So, what features can an archiver for Android integrated into ES Explorer offer? Two types of archives are supported - ZIP and RAR, both compression and decompression. In addition, the archiver can restore damaged archives and encrypt ZIP archives with a 256-bit AES key.

In addition to this, ES Explorer supports other archive types, such as 7Z. However, to pack/unpack this format, you need to download a separate add-on from the developer’s page on Google PLay.

Addition. Table of supported packaging and unpacking formats

Table 1. File packaging

	RAR	ZIP	TAR	GZ	BZ2	XZ	7z	B1
RAR for Android	+	+
AndroZip		+	+	+
B1 Archiver		+						+
ZArchiver		+		+	+	+	+
Total Commander		+
WinZip		+
ES Explorer	+	+					+

Table 2. Unpacking files

	RAR	ZIP	TAR	GZ	BZ2	XZ	7z	ISO	ARJ	B1	CBZ
RAR for Android			+	+	+	+	+		+
AndroZip	+						+
B1 Archiver	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
ZArchiver	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
Total Commander	+	+
WinZip	+	+					+				+
ES Explorer	+	+					+

7-Zip is a popular version of the archiver for the Windows operating system with increased compression rates. It is the leader among a family of paid and free programs.

The distinctive features of this archiver include the fact that it supports 265-bit AES encryption. Can work with popular RAR archives, including RAR 3, CAB and ZIP. On any specialized website you can download the 7-zip archiver for free.

7z archiver

In general, this archiver provides the following features:

supports decompression formats: CAB, MSI, DEB, ZIP, 7z, Z, RAR, ARJ, LZH, CHM, GZIP, WIM, TAR, CPIO, RPM, ISO, NSIS, RPM, BZIP2;
supports ZIP, 7z, BZIP2, GZIP and TAR archiving formats;
shows the highest compression ratio in 7z format with LZMA compression;
compresses GZIP and ZIP formats 2–10% more than WinZip and PKZip;
7-Zip archiver provides the ability to encrypt archives;
has a built-in file manager;
integrated into Windows;
has a plugin for FAR Manager, as well as in Total Commander, Windows Shell;
works from the command line with advanced capabilities;
has multilingual support, the archiver is translated into 74 languages (you need to download 7 Zip rus);

Just download the 7-Zip archiver and you will have access to excellent open source software with a mixed GNU LGPL license, unRAR is closed. It is free to download without any hidden fees, but there is also the possibility of volunteering to help the project.

The versatility of the archiver and free delivery imply its popularity. To use it effectively, you just need to download and install the 7z archiver on your computer. In 99% of cases, the provided formats are sufficient for successful work with archives.

Strong 256-bit encryption allows it to be used in secret archives or, if desired, to pack an archive with a high degree of compression. For maximum compression, you can use a proprietary format. The archiver’s capabilities complement each other well and confidently place it in a leading position in the ranking of paid and free archiver programs. The project is developing quite rapidly, which means regular updates that are available to users. It is expected that the 7 Zip project will in the near future maintain its leading position and promote the new 7z format.

One of the highest quality archiving formats in terms of compression ratio is 7z, which in this area can even compete with RAR. Let's find out which programs can be used to open and unpack 7z archives.

Almost all modern archivers can, if not create 7z objects, then at least view and unpack them. Let us dwell on the algorithm of actions for viewing content and unarchiving the specified format in the most popular archiver programs.

Method 1: 7-Zip

Let's start our description with the 7-Zip program, for which 7z is declared the “native” format. It was the developers of this program who created the format studied in this lesson.

If the 7-Zip program is installed on your computer by default to manipulate the 7z format, then to open the content it will be enough just to be in Windows Explorer, double click LMB by archive name.

If you need to unzip, then the algorithm of actions in 7-Zip will be slightly different.

The 7z object is unzipped into the folder indicated above.

If the user wants to unpack not the entire archived object, but individual files, then the algorithm of actions changes slightly.

Method 2: WinRAR

The popular WinRAR archiver also works with 7z, although this format is not “native” for it.

As you can see, the algorithm for viewing content is very similar to the one that was used when working with 7-Zip.

Now let's find out how to extract 7z in WinRAR. There are several methods for performing this procedure.

There is also the possibility of instant unzipping without specifying any additional settings, including the path. In this case, the extraction will be performed in the same directory where the archived object is located. To do this, press 7z RMB and select "Extract without confirmation". You can replace this manipulation with the combination Alt+W after selecting the object. All items will be immediately unzipped.

If you want to unzip not the entire archive, but certain files, then the algorithm of actions is almost exactly the same as for unzipping the object as a whole. To do this, you should go inside the 7z object through the WinRAP interface and select the necessary elements. Then, depending on how exactly you want to unpack, do one of the following:

Click "Extract...";
Select "Extract to the specified folder" in the context list;
Dial Alt+E;
In the context list, select "Extract without confirmation";
Dial Alt+W.

Carry out all further actions following the same algorithm as for unzipping the archive as a whole. The specified files will be extracted either to the current directory or to the one you specify.

Method 3: IZArc

The small and convenient IZArc utility can also manipulate 7z files.

To extract the content you need to do the following manipulation.

IZArc also has the ability to unpack individual elements of an archived object.

Method 4: Hamster Free ZIP Archiver

Another method to open 7z is to use Hamster Free ZIP Archiver.

You can do it differently.

The marked files will be extracted to the designated directory.

You can also unzip the archive as a whole.

There is a faster option to unpack 7z completely.

Method 5: Total Commander

In addition to archivers, viewing and unpacking 7z content can be done using certain file managers. One such program is Total Commander.

In order to unzip the entire archive, perform the following manipulations.

If you need to extract only certain files, then we proceed differently.

As you can see, viewing and unpacking 7z archives is supported by a fairly large list of modern archivers. We have only indicated the most famous of these applications. The same problem can be solved using certain file managers, in particular Total Commander.

One of the most important programs, in my opinion, is a program that allows you to archive and unarchive files. Especially for a novice PC user, of these two options, most of them need to be unzipped. And in this post we will look at free archiver 7-Zip.

Archivers allow you to compress data so that it takes up less space on your computer. And especially now, archivers are used if you need to transfer any files over the Internet, in order to reduce the size or weight of the transferred files as much as possible.

Typically, files packed by archivers have a designation (extension) that looks like this at the end of the file name: .rar or .zip.

So, if you have a file with one of these extensions and when you click on this file, it does not open for you, it means that you do not have the archiver installed.

One of the most common paid archivers is WinRar, whose free period of use ends in a month (or a little more). For example, it allows you to both archive and unarchive rar or zip files.

And the most popular free archiver: 7-Zip.

7-Zip does not pack files into rar, but packs, among other things, in zip files that WinRar can also open.

7-Zip can unzip rar or zip files, including those that were packed with WinRar.

Therefore, I think that for novice PC users, and most experienced users, this 7-Zip archiver is quite suitable.

Installation and review of the free 7-Zip archiver.

The 7-Zip installation process itself is very simple. When you launch the program downloaded above, the following window will appear:

By default the folder is created 7-Zip in a shared folder Program Files(on the computer hard drive where the operating system is installed). You don't have to change anything here. Just click on the button Install and in the window that appears, click on the button Finish.

All! Ready! Let's move on to using the archiver.

Using the 7-Zip archiver

Using 7-Zip is also easy.

Unpacking compressed files in 7-Zip

Let's say you have a file that is packed with some kind of archiver.

On your computer, this archive file will look something like this: or like this:

Since you already have 7-Zip installed, when you click on this file with the left mouse button (double click), this file will open. Everything is fine!

If you need to unpack this file, then when you right-click on it, an additional action selection menu will appear.

Find the 7-Zip line. When you hover, another submenu will open with a choice of actions. I recommend choosing: Unpack to “File Name”.

Thus, a folder is created with the name of the packed file, and all files that were packed by the archiver are unpacked into this folder.

Compressing files with 7-Zip

Let's consider the same situation, only now you need to compress the file or folder with files.

Also right-click on a folder or file. Just now choose: Add to “File name.zip”. The result is an archive (packed file or folder with files).

If desired, the resulting archive can be renamed by right-clicking on it and selecting the function: Rename.

Please note that you also have the option to choose: Add to “File name.7z”. Extension .7z This is a type of archiving that belongs directly to the 7-Zip program and packed files with this extension are intended for opening these files, also with the same program.

This means that if you pack files with your 7-Zip program with the extension .7z In order to give this archive to someone, then for that user to open this file, he must also have the 7-Zip archiver installed.

And since not 100% of users use this program, I recommend packaging files so that the extension is .zip(as shown in the picture earlier). This way you will be sure that the person to whom you are sending this file will open it (if he has another archiver installed).

To solve this problem, go to the menu Start-> 7-Zip-> as shown in the picture:

There in the tab Language select again Russian language(even if it is already selected), click Apply, and then OK:

Reboot the computer for the settings to apply to the context menu.

Updating the 7-Zip program

The program version described in this note is 9.20. And it is sufficient for the tasks described above (and not only). But developers improve its functionality from time to time.

If you want to download the latest version, you can do this on the 7-Zip program website.

To summarize: Archivers are used to reduce file size. If any file with the extension .rar or .zip does not open, then install an archiver for yourself. 7-Zip, featured in this post, is an excellent free alternative to the paid version of WinRar.

Unpack the files into a folder as shown in the picture and, if you need to give the archive to someone, pack it with the .zip extension.