RAR File Extension
WinRAR Compressed Archive
- File Type rar
- Developer Eugene Roshal
- Popularity
- Application WinRAR
- Category Compressed Files, Backup Files
- Format Binary
What is a RAR file?
Files with the RAR extension are associated with WinRAR Compressed Archive and are categorized as Compressed Files and Backup Files, making up 1215 files.
The WinRAR Compressed Archive (RAR), created by Eugene Roshal, is one of file format they developed, and they also built programs to support them.
RAR files are supported by Windows, Mac OS and Linux, as well as mobile phones such as Apple iOS. When working with RAR files, you can rely on 20 programs, including WinRAR, IZArc and Decompressor.
MIME types
- application/rar
- application/x-rar-compressed
File Signature
HEX code: 52 61 72 21 1A 07 00. ASCII code: Rar!.
Programs that support RAR files
How to open a RAR file?
If you can’t open a RAR 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.
The most popular programs for working with RAR files are WinRAR, IZArc and Decompressor. To install the latest version of WinRAR on your computer, visit the win.rar GmbH website where you can download the version available for all operating systems.
After completing the installation, RAR files should be recognized by the system and linked to WinRAR.
Set WinRAR as the default RAR handler
Changing the default program in Windows
- Right-click on your RAR file, then choose the "Open with" option and select "Choose another application" from the available options;
- In the pop-up window, find and select the WinRAR application from the available options;
- Make sure the "Always use this app" checkbox is checked and click "OK" to confirm your choice as the default app for opening RAR files.
Choose an app to open a file on Mac
- Right click or use Control + left click on the desired RAR file to launch the file options menu;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- In the lower section of the window, you’ll find the "Enable" menu, with "Recommended Programs" pre-selected as the default option;
- Select "All Programs" in this menu, and then search for WinRAR. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make sure it’s the default option.
Convert to and from RAR
If you have trouble working with a RAR file, try converting it to MP3, ZIP, ISO, TAR, EXE or similar compressed files.
Please note that after converting a RAR file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Applications such as WinRAR, sArchiver and ALZip offer offline conversion of RAR files to multiple formats, preserving quality.
Convert RAR to other file formats
Converting Files to RAR Format
Effective solutions for RAR file problems
While RAR files can sometimes present difficulties, most problems can be resolved quickly with minor software modifications. Check the tips below to help solve them.
What are the warning signs that my RAR file may be corrupted?
Corrupted RAR compressed files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Error messages appear during the course of working with the file;
- Poor performance when editing a file in WinRAR;
- The file does not open or opens with errors;
- Unexplained increase in RAR file size;
- File hangs or crashes in WinRAR or other programs;
Why does WinRAR crash?
WinRAR crashes can be caused by outdated software. Keep your win.rar GmbH products up to date by installing the latest updates.
Restarting your computer can resolve numerous common problems, so it should be the initial step before changing any software-related settings.
How to repair a corrupted RAR file?
Use WinRAR, RAR Password Recovery or RAR Password Cracker to open the damaged RAR file and from the menu, choose "Repair" function to start the repair process. Then wait for the recovery process to complete, which allows you to automatically repair corrupted compressed files.
How to edit a RAR file?
To edit RAR files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify compressed files. Online RAR editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for WinRAR Compressed Archive.
Best RAR editors in 2026
Taking the above factors into account, we have selected a list of RAR editors currently available.