.rar file extension

.rar

RAR compressed file or archive. A .rar file is a compressed file format, which can contain one or more files. The files are compressed and so take up less space than the originals, but can be uncompressed back to the original with no loss of data. Because of their small size .rar files are often uses for storage or transmission of files (such as across the internet).

RAR files are different to, but server a similar role to other compressed file formats such as .zip. They can contain password protected content.

RAR archives may be split into several parts in which case subsequent files will have the file extension .r00, .r01, .r02 etc. Theses are sometimes accompanied by .par or .par2 files. Alternatively when a RAR archive is split across several files then the files may be given the extension .part1.rar, .part2.rar, etc.

For more information see:

www.rarlab.com/rar_file.htm - for information about RAR files.
www.rarlab.com - download WinRAR archiving (Windows purchase or trial)
www.rarlab.com/rar_add.htm - Download site for free .RAR extractors for various operating systems. This page also contains a link to the source code for un-rar.
http://homepage.mac.com/pnoriega/unrar.html - Download UnRarX, for Max OS.
www.huguesjohnson.com/win2k/unrar.html - Article on extracting .RAR files in Windows. Contains link to freeware command line rar extractor.
http://everything.explained.at/RAR_(file_format) - RAR file format explained.

Download Filestar to convert .rar files. Filestar is an universal file converter for Windows that supports over 600 different file types.

Can you add to this? Do you know of any applications not already listed which will work with .rar files, view .rar files or open .rar files? Are you able to contribute any additional reference information or file format information about .rar files or have you spotted any errors or omissions? If so please let us know by emailing us at feedback@cryer.co.uk - Thank you.