Extract TAR
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Supports: TAR
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Need help?How to Extract TAR Archives
- Upload your TAR file — Click "+ Add Files" or drag and drop your .tar archive.
- Extract — Click "Extract" to unpack the tar archive.
- Download files — Browse the extracted files and download individually or all at once.
Why Extract TAR Files?
TAR (Tape Archive) is the standard archiving format for Linux and Unix systems. Unlike ZIP or RAR, TAR itself doesn't compress files — it bundles multiple files and directories into a single archive while preserving file permissions, ownership, and directory structure. TAR files are the foundation of Linux packaging — .tar.gz, .tar.bz2, and .tar.xz are all TAR archives with added compression.
Extracting TAR files online lets you access Linux archives, software packages, and backups without command-line tools — useful on Windows or Chromebooks.
TAR Archive Family
| Format | Compression | Extension |
|---|---|---|
| TAR | None | .tar |
| TAR + gzip | gzip | .tar.gz, .tgz |
| TAR + bzip2 | bzip2 | .tar.bz2, .tb2, .tz2 |
| TAR + xz | xz/LZMA2 | .tar.xz |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is TAR format?
TAR (Tape Archive) bundles multiple files into a single archive without compression. Originally developed for tape backup systems in Unix, it's now the standard archiving format for Linux/Unix systems.
Why doesn't TAR compress files?
TAR was designed to bundle files, not compress them. Compression is handled by a separate tool (gzip, bzip2, xz) applied on top of the TAR archive. This separation allows choosing the best compression for each use case.
What files can be inside a TAR archive?
Any files and directories — source code, binaries, configuration files, entire directory trees with preserved permissions and ownership.
Can I extract specific files?
Browse the extracted contents and download only the files you need.
Do I need Linux to extract TAR?
No. This tool extracts TAR archives in your browser — works on Windows, macOS, and any device.