How to Unzip Rar in Linux? Easy Steps
2/27/2025
The world of Linux is vast and exciting, offering a wide range of tools and utilities to help users manage and manipulate files. One of the most common tasks that users encounter is extracting files from compressed archives, such as RAR files. In this blog post, we will explore the process of how to unzip RAR files in Linux, covering the different methods and tools available to achieve this task.
Why Unzip RAR Files in Linux?
Unzipping RAR files in Linux is a crucial task for many users, especially those who work with compressed files on a daily basis. RAR files are commonly used to store large files, such as videos, images, and software packages, and are often distributed as a single compressed file. Unzipping these files allows users to access the contents and use the files as needed.
There are several reasons why users may need to unzip RAR files in Linux. For example, developers may need to extract software packages from RAR files to install or test them. Graphic designers may need to extract images and other files from RAR archives to use in their work. Similarly, users who download files from the internet may need to unzip RAR files to access the contents.
Method 1: Using the Unrar Command
The most straightforward way to unzip RAR files in Linux is to use the unrar command. This command is available on most Linux distributions and can be used to extract files from RAR archives.
To use the unrar command, follow these steps:
- Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the RAR file is located.
- Use the unrar command to extract the files, followed by the name of the RAR file and the directory where you want to extract the files.
- For example, to extract the files from a RAR file named “example.rar” to the current directory, use the following command:
unrar e example.rar
The unrar command will extract the files from the RAR archive and place them in the specified directory. You can also use the -o option to specify the output directory, like this: unrar e example.rar -o output
Options and Flags
The unrar command has several options and flags that can be used to customize the extraction process. Some of the most commonly used options include:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -e | Extract files from the archive |
| -o | Specify the output directory |
| -p | Preserve the original directory structure |
| -y | Force overwrite of existing files |
For example, to extract the files from a RAR file and preserve the original directory structure, use the following command: unrar e example.rar -p
Method 2: Using the Rar Command
Another way to unzip RAR files in Linux is to use the rar command. This command is also available on most Linux distributions and can be used to extract files from RAR archives.
To use the rar command, follow these steps:
- Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the RAR file is located.
- Use the rar command to extract the files, followed by the name of the RAR file and the directory where you want to extract the files.
- For example, to extract the files from a RAR file named “example.rar” to the current directory, use the following command:
rar x example.rar
The rar command will extract the files from the RAR archive and place them in the specified directory. You can also use the -o option to specify the output directory, like this: rar x example.rar -o output
Options and Flags
The rar command has several options and flags that can be used to customize the extraction process. Some of the most commonly used options include:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -x | Extract files from the archive |
| -o | Specify the output directory |
| -p | Preserve the original directory structure |
| -y | Force overwrite of existing files |
For example, to extract the files from a RAR file and preserve the original directory structure, use the following command: rar x example.rar -p
Method 3: Using a Third-Party Tool
If you don’t have the unrar or rar command installed on your system, you can use a third-party tool to unzip RAR files. One popular option is the p7zip tool, which is available on most Linux distributions.
To use the p7zip tool, follow these steps:
- Open a terminal window and navigate to the directory where the RAR file is located.
- Use the p7zip command to extract the files, followed by the name of the RAR file and the directory where you want to extract the files.
- For example, to extract the files from a RAR file named “example.rar” to the current directory, use the following command:
p7zip e example.rar
The p7zip tool will extract the files from the RAR archive and place them in the specified directory. You can also use the -o option to specify the output directory, like this: p7zip e example.rar -o output
Options and Flags
The p7zip tool has several options and flags that can be used to customize the extraction process. Some of the most commonly used options include:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| -e | Extract files from the archive |
| -o | Specify the output directory |
| -p | Preserve the original directory structure |
| -y | Force overwrite of existing files |
For example, to extract the files from a RAR file and preserve the original directory structure, use the following command: p7zip e example.rar -p
Conclusion
Unzipping RAR files in Linux is a straightforward process that can be accomplished using a variety of methods. The unrar, rar, and p7zip commands are all available on most Linux distributions and can be used to extract files from RAR archives. By using these commands and options, you can customize the extraction process to suit your needs and ensure that your files are extracted correctly.
Recap
In this blog post, we covered the following methods for unzipping RAR files in Linux:
- Method 1: Using the unrar command
- Method 2: Using the rar command
- Method 3: Using a third-party tool (p7zip)
We also covered the options and flags available for each method, including the -e, -o, -p, and -y options. By using these options, you can customize the extraction process to suit your needs and ensure that your files are extracted correctly.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between the unrar and rar commands?
A: The unrar and rar commands are both used to extract files from RAR archives, but they have some differences. The unrar command is specifically designed for extracting files from RAR archives, while the rar command can be used to create and extract files from RAR archives. Additionally, the unrar command is often faster and more efficient than the rar command.
Q: Can I use the p7zip tool to create RAR archives?
A: Yes, the p7zip tool can be used to create RAR archives, in addition to extracting files from them. To create a RAR archive using p7zip, use the following command: p7zip a example.rar file1 file2 file3
Q: How do I know if the files I’m extracting are correct?
A: To ensure that the files you’re extracting are correct, you can use the -t option with the unrar or rar command. This option will test the integrity of the RAR archive and report any errors. For example, to test the integrity of a RAR archive using the unrar command, use the following command: unrar t example.rar
Q: Can I extract files from a RAR archive that is password-protected?
A: Yes, you can extract files from a RAR archive that is password-protected using the unrar or rar command. To do this, use the -p option followed by the password. For example, to extract files from a password-protected RAR archive using the unrar command, use the following command: unrar e example.rar -p password
Q: How do I extract files from a RAR archive that is split into multiple files?
A: To extract files from a RAR archive that is split into multiple files, you can use the unrar or rar command followed by the -s option. This option will allow you to specify the start and end files in the archive. For example, to extract files from a RAR archive that is split into multiple files using the unrar command, use the following command: unrar e example.rar -s 1 5
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