ARC File Extension
ARC Lossless Data Compression And Archive Format
- File Type arc
- Developer Ivan Zahariev
- Popularity
- Application IZArc
- Category Compressed Files
- Format Binary
What is a ARC file?
Files with the ARC extension are specifically tied to ARC Lossless Data Compression And Archive Format, a Compressed Files type, and there are 820 files in this category.
The ARC Lossless Data Compression And Archive Format (ARC), created by Ivan Zahariev, is one of file format they developed, and they also built programs to support them.
ARC file support extends to various operating systems, including Windows and Mac OS. When working with ARC files, you can rely on 10 programs, including IZArc, FreeArc and ALZip.
Programs that support ARC files
How to open a ARC file?
If you can’t open a ARC file, it is usually because the necessary software is missing. To resolve the issue, select the right program from the list for your operating system. Then go to the official website of the developer, download the software, and install it.
Thanks to their popularity, IZArc, FreeArc and ALZip are often the go-to programs for managing ARC files. To install the updated version of IZArc, simply go to the Ivan Zahariev site and download the installer compatible with all major platforms.
After installation, your operating system should automatically open ARC files with IZArc.
Set IZArc as your default ARC viewer
Set default app to open files on Mac
- Right-click or Control + left-click on the desired ARC file to open a menu of available actions;
- Choose "Open in Application" and click "Other";
- Next, at the bottom of the window, you will see the "Enable" menu, in which "Recommended Programs" is selected by default;
- In this menu, select "All Programs", then find IZArc and check the box next to "Always open in the application."
Change a default app in Windows
- Take the first step by right-clicking on your ARC file. Next, select "Open With" and then choose "Choose another app" from the available options;
- From the list of applications in the pop-up window, find and select IZArc as your desired application;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox, and then click "OK" to set your chosen app as the default for opening ARC files.
Solving Common ARC File Challenges
There are some common issues with ARC files that can be resolved easily by making minor adjustments to your software. Below, you’ll find these issues along with practical troubleshooting tips.
Why does IZArc stop responding or crash intermittently?
Lack of software updates is a possible reason behind IZArc crash. Keep your Ivan Zahariev products up to date by installing the latest updates.
A simple restart of your computer can often fix many common problems, which is why it is the recommended first step before making any adjustments to your software settings.
What are the best practices for repairing a ARC file that has gone bad?
In a data recovery program, open the damaged ARC file and select the "Repair" menu option. Wait for the recovery process to finish as it will automatically restore the damaged compressed files.
How do I know if my ARC file has been damaged?
Characteristics of corrupted ARC compressed files can include:
- Error alerts occur when actions are performed on the file;
- Editing the archive in IZArc is hampered by poor overall performance;
- The file encounters problems during the opening process or shows error indications;
- An unexplained increase in the size of the ARC file;
- The file causes IZArc or other software to hang or crash during various operations;
How to edit a ARC file?
To modify ARC files, you need to install special software that makes it possible to open and edit compressed files. Online ARC editors are more restricted compared to software designed for ARC Lossless Data Compression And Archive Format.
Best ARC editors 2026
Based on these criteria, we have prepared a list of available ARC editors.
Convert files to and from ARC
If obstacles arise while working with a ARC file, you may convert it to formats like PDF, ZIP, XLS, RAR, VCF or other similar types for smoother handling.
After converting a ARC file, some capabilities may be limited, but you can often convert it back to the original format.
Several applications, including ALZip, can convert ARC files offline without quality loss.