How to Open Rar on Linux? Easy Steps

The world of Linux is vast and diverse, with a wide range of tools and software available for various tasks. One of the most common tasks that Linux users face is opening RAR files, which are compressed archives that contain multiple files. RAR files are widely used for sharing and storing large files, and are supported by many operating systems, including Linux.

However, Linux users may find it challenging to open RAR files, especially if they are new to the platform. This is because RAR files are not natively supported by Linux, and require a third-party software to be installed and configured. In this article, we will explore the various ways to open RAR files on Linux, and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do so.

What is RAR and Why is it Important?

RAR, which stands for Roshal Archive, is a proprietary file format developed by Eugene Roshal. It is a compressed archive format that allows users to store multiple files in a single file, which can be compressed to reduce its size. RAR files are widely used for sharing and storing large files, such as videos, images, and documents, as they can be compressed to reduce their size and make them easier to share.

RAR files are important because they provide a convenient way to store and share large files. They are also widely supported by many operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. This makes it easy for users to share files with others, regardless of the operating system they are using.

How to Open RAR Files on Linux?

There are several ways to open RAR files on Linux, including using third-party software and command-line tools. In this section, we will explore the various methods and provide a step-by-step guide on how to do so.

Method 1: Using Unrar

Unrar is a popular command-line tool that is used to extract RAR files on Linux. It is widely available in most Linux distributions and can be installed using the package manager. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Unrar to open RAR files on Linux:

1. Install Unrar using the package manager. For example, on Ubuntu-based distributions, you can install Unrar using the following command:
2. sudo apt-get install unrar
3. Once Unrar is installed, you can use it to extract RAR files using the following command:
4. unrar x filename.rar
5. This will extract the contents of the RAR file to a new directory.

Method 2: Using Ark

Ark is a file archiver that is included with many Linux distributions. It supports a wide range of file formats, including RAR files. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Ark to open RAR files on Linux:

1. Open Ark using the following command:
2. ark
3. Once Ark is open, you can select the RAR file you want to extract by navigating to the directory where it is located.
4. Right-click on the RAR file and select “Extract” to extract the contents of the file.
5. Ark will create a new directory containing the extracted files.

Method 3: Using PeaZip

PeaZip is a free and open-source file archiver that supports a wide range of file formats, including RAR files. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use PeaZip to open RAR files on Linux:

1. Download and install PeaZip from the official website.
2. Once PeaZip is installed, you can open it using the following command:
3. peazip
4. Once PeaZip is open, you can select the RAR file you want to extract by navigating to the directory where it is located.
5. Right-click on the RAR file and select “Extract” to extract the contents of the file.
6. PeaZip will create a new directory containing the extracted files.

Conclusion

Opening RAR files on Linux can be a bit challenging, but it is possible using third-party software and command-line tools. In this article, we have explored the various methods and provided a step-by-step guide on how to do so. Whether you are using Unrar, Ark, or PeaZip, you can easily extract RAR files and access their contents.

Recap

In this article, we have covered the following topics:

• What is RAR and why is it important?
• How to open RAR files on Linux using Unrar, Ark, and PeaZip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best way to open RAR files on Linux?

A: The best way to open RAR files on Linux depends on your personal preference and the software you are using. Unrar is a popular command-line tool that is widely available, while Ark and PeaZip are graphical file archivers that provide a user-friendly interface.

Q: Can I open RAR files on Linux without installing any software?

A: Yes, you can open RAR files on Linux without installing any software by using the command-line tool Unrar. You can install Unrar using the package manager and then use it to extract RAR files.

Q: How do I extract RAR files on Linux?

A: To extract RAR files on Linux, you can use Unrar, Ark, or PeaZip. Unrar is a command-line tool that requires you to use the “unrar x” command, while Ark and PeaZip are graphical file archivers that provide a user-friendly interface.

Q: Can I open RAR files on Linux without root privileges?

A: Yes, you can open RAR files on Linux without root privileges by using Unrar, Ark, or PeaZip. These software packages are designed to be used by regular users and do not require root privileges to extract RAR files.

Q: How do I convert RAR files to other formats on Linux?

A: You can convert RAR files to other formats on Linux using command-line tools such as Unrar and 7z. Unrar can be used to extract RAR files, while 7z can be used to compress and decompress files in various formats, including RAR.