TAR.GZ File Extension
Compressed Tarball Format
- File Type tar.gz
- Developer The GNU Project
- Popularity
- Application WinRAR
- Category Compressed Files
- Format Binary
What is a TAR.GZ file?
Compressed Tarball Format, identified by the TAR.GZ extension, is a Compressed Files type and includes 820 files.
With the creation of the Compressed Tarball Format (TAR.GZ), GNU Project introduced file format along with 7 programs built for their use.
TAR.GZ files are supported by Linux, Windows and Mac OS. You can extract a TAR.GZ file using one of 5 programs, for example Gzip, ZipZag and WinRAR.
MIME types
- application/x-tar
- application/gnutar
- application/x-compressed
Programs that support TAR.GZ files
How to open a TAR.GZ file?
The most common reason why a TAR.GZ file cannot be opened is the absence of required software. To fix this, select a compatible program from the list. Then visit the official developer website via the provided link, download the program, and install it on your system.
The most popular programs for working with TAR.GZ files are Gzip, ZipZag and WinRAR. To get the latest version of WinRAR, open the win.rar GmbH website where a universal installer for all operating systems is available.
Once setup is done, your operating system should assign WinRAR as the default app for TAR.GZ files.
Make WinRAR the default TAR.GZ viewer
Changing the default program in Windows
- Start by right-clicking on your TAR.GZ file and selecting the "Open With" option. From there, click "Choose another app" to continue;
- Inside the popup window, scroll through the list of applications and specifically choose WinRAR as the application to associate with your TAR.GZ file;
- Check the "Always use this app" checkbox and click "OK".
Change the default app to open files on Mac
- Right click or use Control + Left Click on the desired TAR.GZ file to access a dropdown menu of actions;
- Select "Open in application" and click "Other";
- Scroll down to the bottom of the window, where you will find the "Enable" menu. Default, "Recommended Programs" will be selected;
- In this menu, choose "All Programs" and navigate to WinRAR. Check the box next to "Always open in app" to make it the default program.
Convert to and from TAR.GZ
If a TAR.GZ file is difficult to handle, you might try converting it to formats such as ISO, RAR, IMG or similar, which may be easier to work with.
Please note that after converting a TAR.GZ file, some functionality may differ from the original. However, in many cases, it can be converted back to its original format.
Convert TAR.GZ to other file formats
Converting Files to TAR.GZ Format
Finding answers to TAR.GZ file problems
If you encounter issues with TAR.GZ files, don’t worry—most can be fixed with minor software adjustments. Refer to the troubleshooting tips below.
What are the signs that my TAR.GZ file is damaged?
Corrupted TAR.GZ compressed files may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Poor performance when editing a file in Gzip;
- Opening or processing the file in WinRAR or other programs causes instability or crashes in the program;
- The file shows errors when trying to open it or does not open completely;
- Unexpected expansion of the total size of the TAR.GZ file;
- Working with the file triggers the display of error messages;
Why does WinRAR quit or crash unexpectedly?
WinRAR crashes can be attributed to outdated software. Make sure you have installed the latest updates for win.rar GmbH products.
A computer restart is often the key to solving numerous common problems. That’s why, it is recommended to restart the computer before making any changes to the software settings.
What methods can be used to repair a damaged TAR.GZ file?
Use a recovery program to open the damaged TAR.GZ file and navigate to the "Repair" menu item. Wait for the recovery process to finish, as it will automatically repair damaged compressed files.
How to edit a TAR.GZ file?
To edit TAR.GZ files, you need to install specialized software that allows you not only to open but also to modify compressed files. Online TAR.GZ editors usually provide fewer features than software created specifically for Compressed Tarball Format.
List of Top TAR.GZ editors 2026
Following these criteria, we have put together a list of recommended TAR.GZ editors.
| TAR.GZ Editor Software | Developer | Platforms | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gzip | Jean-loup Gailly | Linux | 4.4 out of 5 (38 reviews) |