tar

.tar — Tape Archive

AT&T Bell Labs · 1979

Developer

AT&T Bell Labs

What is a .tar file?

TAR (Tape Archive) is a Unix-originated format that bundles multiple files and directories into a single archive file without compression. TAR files preserve Unix file permissions, ownership, and directory structure. They are commonly combined with compression programs to create .tar.gz (gzip), .tar.bz2 (bzip2), or .tar.xz (xz) archives, which are the standard distribution format for Linux software and source code.

Programs That Open .tar Files

Platform	Program
Windows	7-Zip	Free
	WinRAR	Paid
macOS	Archive Utility	Free	Official
	The Unarchiver	Free
Linux	tar command	Free	Official

Common Problems with .tar Files

⚠️ Cannot open .tar file

Install one of the recommended programs listed above. For a free option, try the first free program in the list.

⚠️ .tar file is corrupted

Try re-downloading the file. If the file was transferred, ensure the transfer completed without errors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What program opens .tar files?▼

.tar files can be opened with several programs. 7-Zip is one of the most popular choices.

Is .tar a safe file format?▼

Generally yes, .tar files are safe to open with appropriate software.

Can I convert .tar to another format?▼

Yes, there are many online and offline tools available to convert .tar files. Check the conversion section above for specific methods.

Technical Details

Tape Archive files use the application/x-tar MIME type and were first introduced in 1979 by AT&T Bell Labs. The file can be identified by its signature: 75 73 74 61 72 (ustar) at offset 257.

Did You Know?

Tape Archive was first released in 1979 by AT&T Bell Labs

Security Information

.tar files are generally safe to open. However, always ensure your software is up to date to protect against potential vulnerabilities.