ARC to TAR.XZ Converter

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

To convert ARC to TAR.XZ, select or drop your .arc file above, check that TAR.XZ is chosen as the output, and click Convert. This conversion runs on our server, and your files are deleted 72 hours later.

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.

ARC Converter →

What is a TAR.XZ file?

TAR.XZ – Tar compressed with xz. TAR.XZ is a TAR archive compressed with xz. The TAR keeps folders and Unix permissions; xz makes it smaller.

TAR.XZ Converter →

How to convert ARC to TAR.XZ

  1. Click Select File, or drop your .arc files anywhere on this page. You can add several at once.
  2. Check that TAR.XZ is chosen as the output format. On this page it is picked for you.
  3. Click Convert. When a file has to go to our server, the button says Upload and convert instead.
  4. Click Download next to each file when it's done.

ARC vs TAR.XZ: how they compare

ARCTAR.XZ
TypeArchiveCompressed TAR archive
HoldsMany files and foldersMany files and folders
CompressionLZW variantsLZMA2
EncryptionNoneNone
Created bySystem Enhancement Associates, 1985—
Best forOpening very old DOS archivesCompressed folders on Linux (xz)

Good to know

  • ARC is an old format that today's computers rarely open by themselves. TAR.XZ files are much easier to open, share and keep.
  • Symbolic links, hard links and special files (such as devices) are left out of the result for safety; the page tells you when it does this.

Frequently asked questions

Is converting ARC to TAR.XZ 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?

This conversion runs on our server. Your file is sent over an encrypted connection, and both it and the result are deleted 72 hours after the conversion.

How large can the ARC file be?

Up to 1 GB per file. This conversion runs on our server, which accepts files up to that size.

Will the folders inside my ARC be kept?

Yes. The TAR.XZ has the same folders and file names as the ARC. Only links and special files are left out, and the page tells you if it did that.

Can I convert several ARC files at once?

Yes. Add as many files as you like; they are converted one after another, and each one gets its own Download button.

Convert ARC to other formats

Convert other files to TAR.XZ

Just need the files inside?

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