ARC Converter

Convert ARC files online, for free, with nothing to install.

ARC is one of the first archive formats for DOS. It was replaced by ZIP in the late 1980s. ARC files can be saved as ZIP, 7Z, TAR, TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, TAR.XZ, RAR.

What is an ARC file?

ARC – ARC archive. ARC is one of the first archive formats for DOS. It was replaced by ZIP in the late 1980s.

How to convert an ARC file

  1. Click Select File, or drop your .arc files anywhere on this page.
  2. Pick the format you want next to each file, for example ZIP.
  3. Click Convert, then Download when it's done.

ARC at a glance

ARC
TypeArchive
HoldsMany files and folders
CompressionLZW variants
EncryptionNone
Created bySystem Enhancement Associates, 1985
Best forOpening very old DOS archives

Frequently asked questions

What is an ARC file?

ARC is one of the first archive formats for DOS. It was replaced by ZIP in the late 1980s.

How do I open an ARC file?

Archive programs such as 7-Zip open many formats. Without one, open it on our Extract ARC Files page to see what's inside and save the files you need, or convert it to ZIP here: Windows, macOS and Linux all open ZIP files by themselves.

Is converting ARC files free?

Yes. Everyone gets 25 free credits a day, with no account needed. Conversions on our server use one credit per started minute of work, so most cost a single credit. Credits reset at midnight UTC.

Are my ARC files uploaded anywhere?

Files up to 200 MB never leave your device: ConvertKitty runs 7-Zip inside your browser. Only larger files, or formats your browser cannot handle, are sent to our server, over an encrypted connection, and deleted 72 hours after the conversion. The button says "Upload and convert" whenever that happens.

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