RAR extractor
FileReshape's RAR extractor opens RAR 4 and RAR 5 archives in your browser without WinRAR, lists the files inside and saves one file, all files into a folder, or everything as one ZIP. The RAR is not uploaded. Password-protected RAR archives and multi-part RARs (.part1.rar, .part2.rar) cannot be opened here, and archives above about 1.5 GB are too large for the browser.
Did a file not convert correctly? E-mail [email protected], ideally with a small sample file, and it will be fixed.
Key facts
- Input: RAR (.rar). Output: ZIP (.zip).
- Your files are not uploaded: the work is done in your browser, on your own device.
- File size: RAR and 7Z archives up to 1.5 GB; a ZIP you create holds up to 4 GB.
- Needs a current browser (Chrome, Edge, Firefox or Safari) on a computer, tablet or phone; nothing to install.
- Free to use, with no sign-up.
Why open a RAR file online
RAR files are common for game mods, scanned comics, course material and large downloads, but Windows 10, macOS and Chromebooks cannot open them without an extra app, and on a work computer you may not be allowed to install one. This RAR extractor runs in your browser tab with libarchive, the open-source archive library that Windows 11 also uses for RAR files. Drop the .rar file to see every file inside with its folder and size, then save a single file or everything. You can also turn the RAR into a ZIP, which every computer and phone opens without help, before you pass it on. The archive is read on your own device and never sent to a server.
How to extract a RAR file
- Drop the .rar file in the box, or click to choose it.
- Check the list of files; click Download next to a file to save only that one.
- Choose how to save everything (a folder, one ZIP file or separate downloads) and click Extract all files.
What to know about RAR files
Password-protected RAR files
WinRAR encrypts protected archives with AES, and in many of them even the file names are hidden. The archive reader used here cannot decrypt RAR encryption, so such files show a clear message instead of a list. Open them with 7-Zip, WinRAR or The Unarchiver and enter the password there.
Multi-part archives
Large RAR archives are often split into parts named .part1.rar, .part2.rar and so on, or .rar, .r00, .r01 in older archives. All parts are needed together, and this tool can only read one file, so it reports a multi-part archive as incomplete. Use 7-Zip or WinRAR with all parts in one folder.
Solid archives take longer
In a solid RAR all files are compressed as one stream. Getting a single file out still means unpacking everything before it, so the first download can take a moment; after that every file is ready at once.
Size limit
The whole RAR is loaded into the browser's memory, and the unpacked files need room too. That works up to about 1.5 GB on a computer and less on a phone. For larger archives a desktop app is the better tool.
About the formats
RAR
RAR is an archive format created by Eugene Roshal in 1993 and used by WinRAR. It usually packs files tighter than ZIP and can split an archive into parts, so it is common for large downloads. Windows 11 can open RAR files since 2023; older Windows versions, and macOS, need an extra app.
- RAR 5, introduced with WinRAR 5.0 in 2013, replaced the older RAR 4 format; both are still in use.
- Only WinRAR can create RAR files; other programs can only open them.
- Solid archives compress all files as one stream: smaller, but a single file can only be read by unpacking the files before it.
- Large archives are often split into parts (.part1.rar, .part2.rar …) that must be extracted together.
ZIP
ZIP is the most widely used archive format. Phil Katz published it with PKZIP in 1989, and Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android can all open ZIP files without extra software. One ZIP file holds many files and folders, each compressed on its own, which is why it is used for email attachments, downloads and backups.
- Each file is compressed separately, usually with Deflate, so one file can be taken out without unpacking the rest.
- The list of files sits at the end of the ZIP, so an interrupted download cannot be opened.
- A password can protect the contents with ZipCrypto (weak) or AES-256, but the file names stay readable.
- Without the ZIP64 extension a ZIP holds at most 65,535 files and 4 GB.
- Word, Excel and PowerPoint files (.docx, .xlsx, .pptx), EPUB e-books and Android apps are ZIP files inside.
Frequently asked questions
Is my RAR file uploaded?
No. The archive is unpacked by your browser on your own device and the files are saved straight from there.
Does it open RAR 5 files?
Yes. Both RAR 4 archives (made with WinRAR 4 and older) and RAR 5 archives (WinRAR 5 and newer) open, solid or not.
Can I convert RAR to ZIP?
Yes. Choose "As one ZIP file" and click Extract all files. You get a standard ZIP with the same files and folders, which Windows, macOS, iPhone and Android open without extra apps.
Can I create a RAR file here?
No. Only WinRAR can create RAR files. To pack files into an archive in your browser, make a ZIP instead.