7-Zip
What it is
7-Zip is a free file archiver for Windows, Linux, and macOS. It creates and extracts archives, using LZMA and LZMA2 compression in the 7z format. It can create and extract 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and WIM files, and extract additional formats such as RAR, ISO, and VHDX. AES-256 encryption is available for 7z and ZIP archives; the feature list also includes split archives, archive repair, portable use, and command-line tools. Windows users also get Shell integration, a file manager, a command-line version, and a FAR Manager plugin. The software is open source, localized in 87 languages, and its maker says it can be used commercially without registration or payment. Its LZMA SDK supplies resources for developers building applications that use LZMA compression. The listed plan is free, billed Free, with no registration or payment required.
For and against
For
- Free, with no registration or payment
- Runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS
- Supports AES-256 for 7z and ZIP
- Localized in 87 languages
- Includes split archives and repair
Against
- RAR archives can be extracted, not created
- Some listed features are Windows-specific
The verdict
7-Zip offers archive creation and extraction across three platforms, with a free plan and support for several archive formats. Note that RAR is extract-only and the listed Shell integration and file-manager features are for Windows.
Who it suits
7-Zip suits people who need to create or extract archives on Windows, Linux, or macOS, including commercial users. Developers working with LZMA compression can also use its SDK.
Plans and prices
7-Zip
File archiver · Windows installer, Linux console version, and macOS console version
Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
On the record
- Archive formats
- 7-Zip can pack and unpack 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and WIM files, and can unpack additional formats including RAR, ISO, and VHDX.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Commercial use
- The maker says 7-Zip can be used on any computer, including in a commercial organization, without registration or payment.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Compression
- The 7z format uses LZMA and LZMA2 compression.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Developer use
- The LZMA SDK provides documentation, samples, headers, libraries, and tools for applications that use LZMA compression.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Encryption
- 7-Zip supports AES-256 encryption in 7z and ZIP formats.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Format limitation
- 7-Zip can unpack RAR archives but does not list RAR as a format it can pack.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Languages
- 7-Zip is localized in 87 languages.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Licensing
- 7-Zip is open-source software; most code is under the GNU LGPL, with some code under BSD licenses and an unRAR license restriction for some parts.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Maker
- The site copyright identifies Igor Pavlov.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- 7-Zip is a file archiver with a high compression ratio.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Support
- The support page directs common questions to the 7-Zip forum and bug reports to its bug tracker on SourceForge.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
- Windows features
- The Windows version includes Windows Shell integration, a file manager, a command-line version, and a FAR Manager plugin.7-zip.org · read 29 Sep 2026
