To convert ARC to ZIP, select or drop your .arc file above, check that ZIP 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 ZIP file?
ZIP – ZIP archive. ZIP is the most widely supported archive format: every operating system opens it without extra software. It compresses each file separately, usually with Deflate, so single files can be pulled out quickly.
ZIP Converter →How to convert ARC to ZIP
- Click Select File, or drop your .arc files anywhere on this page. You can add several at once.
- Check that ZIP is chosen as the output format. On this page it is picked for you.
- Click Convert. When a file has to go to our server, the button says Upload and convert instead.
- Click Download next to each file when it's done.
ARC vs ZIP: how they compare
| ARC | ZIP | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Archive | Archive |
| Holds | Many files and folders | Many files and folders |
| Compression | LZW variants | Deflate |
| Encryption | None | AES-256, or the weak legacy ZipCrypto |
| Created by | System Enhancement Associates, 1985 | Phil Katz (PKWARE), 1989 |
| Best for | Opening very old DOS archives | Sharing files with anyone |
Good to know
- ARC is an old format that today's computers rarely open by themselves. ZIP 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 ZIP 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 ZIP 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
- ARC Converter
- ARC to 7Z Converter
- ARC to TAR Converter
- ARC to TAR.GZ Converter
- ARC to TAR.BZ2 Converter
- ARC to TAR.XZ Converter
- ARC to RAR Converter
Convert other files to ZIP
- Convert to ZIP
- RAR to ZIP Converter
- 7Z to ZIP Converter
- TAR.GZ to ZIP Converter
- TAR to ZIP Converter
- ISO to ZIP Converter
- GZ to ZIP Converter
- TGZ to ZIP Converter
- TAR.XZ to ZIP Converter
- CAB to ZIP Converter
- JAR to ZIP Converter
Just need the files inside?
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