What Is a TAR File and How to Open It?

Published On - November 20, 2025

Olivia Brown Blog

When dealing with files—especially in the realm of software development, system administration, or even data backup—you may encounter a file with a .tar extension. These files are commonly used in Unix and Linux systems but are also prevalent in many professional environments regardless of the operating system. Understanding what a TAR file is and how to open it is essential knowledge for anyone working with digital files on a regular basis.

TL;DR

A TAR file is an archive file used to bundle multiple files together without compressing them. It stands for “Tape Archive” and is common in Unix and Linux environments. You can open TAR files using built-in tools in macOS and Linux, or with third-party software like 7-Zip and WinRAR on Windows. While TAR files aren’t compressed by default, they are often paired with compression formats such as Gzip (resulting in .tar.gz files).

What Is a TAR File?

TAR stands for “Tape Archive”. Originally developed for use with tape backup systems, TAR is a method of storing several files and directories into a single file. While TAR files are not compressed by default, they are useful for archiving purposes because they maintain the files’ structure and permissions.

Unlike other formats like ZIP or RAR, which apply compression and archiving simultaneously, a TAR file merely combines files. This makes it ideal for storing file hierarchies in a reliable and straightforward format.

You might also encounter variations of TAR files that are compressed, such as:

  • .tar.gz – a TAR archive compressed using gzip
  • .tar.bz2 – compressed using bzip2
  • .tar.xz – compressed using xz

Why Use TAR Files?

There are several advantages to using TAR files, especially in professional and Unix-based environments. Here are some notable benefits:

  • Preserve directory structure and file metadata: TAR maintains original file permissions, ownership data, and timestamps.
  • Efficient for large data sets: It offers a straightforward way to bundle many files for easier management or transfer.
  • Compatibility with backup tools: Most backup utilities on Unix/Linux systems expect TAR input or produce TAR output.
  • Extensively used in software distribution: Many open-source programs are distributed as TAR archives.

How to Identify a TAR File

TAR files have the .tar extension, which makes them easy to recognize. Here are some common filename patterns and what they signify:

  • filename.tar: A standard TAR archive without any compression
  • filename.tar.gz: A TAR archive compressed with gzip
  • filename.tgz: A shorthand for .tar.gz
  • filename.tar.bz2: Compressed with bzip2

These extensions give a strong hint about how the file was created and what kind of tools may be required to extract its contents.

How to Open a TAR File

Opening a TAR file is straightforward but depends on your operating system. Here’s how you can do it on major platforms:

On Linux and macOS

Both macOS and Linux come with built-in tools to handle TAR files through the terminal. Here’s how to do it:

tar -xvf archive.tar

Explanation:

  • -x: Extract files
  • -v: Verbose mode (shows progress)
  • -f: Specifies filename

For compressed versions like .tar.gz:

tar -xzvf archive.tar.gz

On Windows

Windows doesn’t natively support TAR files, but there are several reliable third-party applications you can use:

  • 7-Zip: Lightweight and open-source. Supports TAR, GZ, and many other formats.
  • WinRAR: A commercial option that can handle TAR and its compressed variants.
  • PeaZip: Another free tool supporting TAR and compressed TAR formats.

Simply install one of these tools, right-click on the .tar file, and extract the contents.

Using Online Tools

If you don’t want to install software, several online platforms allow you to upload and extract TAR files directly via a browser. Use these with caution if the contents are sensitive.

Creating TAR Files

Just as opening TAR files is simple in Unix-like systems, creating them is equally straightforward. In the terminal, use the following syntax:

tar -cvf archive.tar folder_name/

Explanation:

  • -c: Create archive
  • -v: Verbose (optional)
  • -f: Filename of the archive

To compress the archive with gzip:

tar -czvf archive.tar.gz folder_name/

Security Considerations

TAR files, like any archive format, can be used to distribute malicious files. Always be cautious when extracting TAR files from unknown or untrusted sources. Some best practices include:

  • Scanning the TAR file using antivirus software
  • Extracting archives in isolated environments
  • Reviewing filenames and file paths inside the TAR before actual extraction

Be particularly wary of TAR files with unexpected file extensions or files that attempt to overwrite system areas.

When Not to Use TAR

Although TAR is useful, there are scenarios where it may not be the ideal format. Consider alternative options when:

  • Compression is a priority: TAR itself doesn’t compress; pairing it with .gz or .bz2 helps, but ZIP or 7Z might be smaller.
  • Files need to be individually accessed: TAR files require full extraction to access individual files, unlike ZIPs.
  • Cross-platform sharing: ZIP has broader native support in Windows and macOS.

Common Errors and Troubleshooting

Occasionally, users may encounter problems when working with TAR files. Here are some common issues and ways to resolve them:

  • Permission Denied: You may lack rights to access certain files. Try using sudo if you’re on a Unix-based system.
  • Unrecognized Format: Ensure you’re using the correct flags when decompressing compressed TAR archives.
  • File Corruption: If the TAR file doesn’t open, it may be incomplete or corrupted. Try re-downloading or retrieving it from backup.

Conclusion

The TAR file format remains one of the most trusted and efficient methods for managing collections of files, particularly in Unix and Linux environments. Understanding how to open, create, and use TAR files can significantly improve efficiency in data handling, backups, and software deployment.

Whether you’re an IT professional, developer, or just handling archived documents, knowing how to work with TAR files is an invaluable skill. With the right tools and a bit of practice, managing TAR files can become a seamless part of your everyday workflow.