How the free online archive converter works
Archive conversion unpacks every file from one container and packs them into another. Because archives are lossless, the files inside are identical afterwards, byte for byte; only the wrapper changes. The most common reason is compatibility: ZIP opens on every computer and phone without extra software, while RAR and 7Z often need a separate app.
Archives are opened by libarchive, the same library many operating systems use, compiled to WebAssembly so it runs inside this page; new ZIP files are written with the fflate library. The engine is about 1 MB and loads the first time you convert. Because everything is unpacked in memory, very large archives of several gigabytes are better handled by a desktop program.
Which archive format should you use?
ZIP is the right target almost every time you are sharing files: Windows, macOS, iPhone and Android all open it without extra software. That is why RAR to ZIP and 7Z to ZIP are the most common archive conversions.
7Z compresses tighter than ZIP, which suits backups, and this converter reads 7Z archives; to create one, use 7-Zip on your computer. TAR suits Linux and Mac tools and servers; it keeps files together without compressing them, and is usually compressed again as TAR.GZ.
RAR can be extracted by anyone but only created by WinRAR, which is why every converter, this one included, converts from RAR but not to it.
Common archive conversions and why people need them
Most archive conversions start with a download that will not open. Someone sends a RAR or 7Z file, and the computer or phone in front of you has no program for it. Converting it to ZIP gives a file that Windows, macOS, iPhone and Android open with a double tap, and nothing has to be installed.
The opposite case is sharing with Linux servers and developer tools, which work naturally with TAR. Converting a ZIP to TAR keeps every file, folder and name exactly as it was. The archive is opened by libarchive, the same library many operating systems use, compiled to WebAssembly so it runs inside this page.
Because archives are lossless, the files inside come out byte for byte identical whatever format you choose. Only the packaging and, for ZIP, the compression change.
To pull a single document out of an archive without converting the rest, use the extract archive tool instead: it lists every file inside with its own download button.
Archive formats compared
| Format | Compression | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 7Z | Lossless | maximum compression for backups and software distribution |
| GZ | Lossless | compressed logs, database dumps and downloads, and Linux software as .tar.gz |
| RAR | Lossless | large downloads split into parts and files shared on forums |
| TAR | Lossless | software source code and Linux and Mac backups |
| TAR.GZ | Lossless | source code releases, Linux software and server backups |
| TGZ | Lossless | source code releases and Linux software |
| ZIP | Lossless | sending several files at once and downloading software |
Tips for converting archive files
- Keep the original archive until you have checked the new one opens and holds everything.
- Password-protected archives cannot be converted without the password.
- For split archives (.part1.rar), all parts are needed; this tool handles single-file archives.
- Very large archives are unpacked in memory, so a desktop program is better above a few gigabytes.
Is it safe to convert archive files online?
With most online tools, "online" means your file is uploaded to a company's server, processed there and kept for a while before it is deleted. Here it is not. The page downloads the converter code to your browser, and your file is read and processed inside the tab on your own device. It is never sent to TapToConvert or anyone else.
You can check this yourself: once the page and, for audio and video, the converter engine have loaded, turn off Wi-Fi and the tool still works. That also means there is no queue, no daily limit and no size cap set by a server. The only limit is the memory your browser gives a single tab.
Archive Converter FAQ
Will converting change my files?
No. Archives are lossless: every file inside comes out byte for byte identical.
Can I convert to RAR?
No. RAR is a proprietary format that only WinRAR can create. ZIP and 7Z are the open alternatives.
Why is my TAR bigger than the RAR?
TAR does not compress; it only joins files together. Use 7Z or ZIP for a smaller archive.
Does it work with RAR5?
Yes. Both RAR4 and RAR5 archives can be extracted, as long as they are not password protected.
Is the archive converter free?
Yes, with no sign-up, no watermark and no limit on the number of files. It is supported by advertising, and because files are converted on your device there is no server cost per conversion.
Does the archive converter work on phones?
Yes. It works in Safari on iPhone and iPad and in Chrome on Android. Converted files are saved to your Downloads folder.