A .RAR file is a Roshal Archive Compressed File associated with Archives. Proprietary compressed archive format created by Eugene Roshal with recovery records.

How do I open a .RAR file on Windows or Mac?

You can open .RAR files using WinRAR, 7-Zip, The Unarchiver, ZArchiver. If you do not have native software installed, you can use OpenAnyFile's free File Identifier or convert .RAR to a standard format in your browser.

Is a .RAR file safe to open?

This format carries a safety rating of Medium Risk. May contain untrusted binaries inside compressed archive.

Can I convert a .RAR file to other formats?

Yes! .RAR can be converted to formats such as .ZIP directly in your web browser.

What should I do if a .RAR file is corrupted or won't open?

If your .RAR file displays an invalid header or signature error, check its magic bytes hex header (52 61 72 21 1A 07 00 (Rar!.. RAR 4) or 52 61 72 21 1A 07 01 00 (RAR 5)) using OpenAnyFile's Magic Byte Detector or follow our step-by-step file repair guide.

Archives • MIME: application/vnd.rar

.RAR – Roshal Archive Compressed File

Proprietary compressed archive format created by Eugene Roshal with recovery records.

Primary Category Archives

MIME Type application/vnd.rar

Magic Bytes Signature 52 61 72 21 1A 07 00 (Rar!.. RAR 4) or 52 61 72 21 1A 07 01 00 (RAR 5)

Security Risk Rating Medium Risk

Recommended Software to Open .RAR

WinRAR

windows • Commercial

7-Zip

windows, mac, linux • Free

The Unarchiver

mac • Free

ZArchiver

android • Free