Extract TAR Files

Open a TAR file and see what's inside. Save just the files you need, or download everything as a ZIP.

To extract a TAR file, drop it above or click Select File. ConvertKitty lists everything inside; click Save next to a file to download just that file, or tick files and folders and download them as a ZIP. TAR files up to 200 MB are opened right in your browser, so they never leave your device.

What is a TAR file?

TAR – Tape archive. TAR bundles files and folders into one archive without compressing them, keeping Unix permissions and timestamps. It is usually paired with a compressor such as gzip or xz.

TAR Converter →

How to extract a TAR file

  1. Click Select File, or drop your .tar file anywhere on this page.
  2. See every file and folder inside, with its size. The search box finds a file by name.
  3. Click Save next to a file to download just that file.
  4. Or tick files and folders and click Download selected as ZIP, or Download all as ZIP.

TAR at a glance

TAR
TypeArchive
HoldsMany files and folders
CompressionNone
EncryptionNone
Created byUnix, 1979
Best forBundling folders on Linux and macOS

Good to know

  • TAR files larger than 200 MB are too big to open in your browser. They are opened on our server instead, and you get everything inside as one ZIP.
  • Symbolic links, hard links and special files (such as devices) are left out for safety.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open a TAR file?

Drop it on this page: you see every file and folder inside right away, and can save the ones you need. Nothing is installed, and the file stays on your device.

Can I save just one file from a TAR?

Yes. Click Save next to the file. To save several, tick them (or whole folders) and click Download selected as ZIP.

Are my TAR files uploaded anywhere?

Archives up to 200 MB never leave your device: ConvertKitty runs 7-Zip inside your browser to list and unpack them. Larger archives, and formats your browser can't open, are sent over an encrypted connection, made into one ZIP, and deleted 72 hours later. The button says "Upload and extract" whenever that happens.

Is extracting TAR files free?

Yes. Opening archives in your browser and saving the files is free, with no account and no limit. Archives opened on our server use credits: everyone gets 25 free credits a day, and most archives cost a single one. Credits reset at midnight UTC.

How large can the TAR file be?

Up to 200 MB in your browser. Larger TAR files, up to 1 GB, are opened on our server and come back as one ZIP.

Does it work on my phone?

Yes. It works in any modern web browser, on a computer or a phone, and the files you save go to your downloads.

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Extract other archives

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