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7-Zip

7-zip.org

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Spec score 8.1 #4 of 36 in File Compression Software

What it is

7-Zip is a file archiver for Windows, Linux, and macOS, offered at free with no registration or payment required. It creates and extracts 7z, XZ, BZIP2, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and WIM archives, and can extract additional formats such as RAR, ISO, and VHDX. The 7z format uses LZMA and LZMA2 compression, and AES-256 encryption is available for 7z and ZIP files. Other listed capabilities include split archives, archive repair, portable use, and command-line tools. The Windows version includes Shell integration, a file manager, a command-line version, and a FAR Manager plugin. The software is open source; most code is under the GNU LGPL, with some under BSD licenses and an unRAR restriction applying to some parts. The maker says it can be used in commercial organizations without payment. It is localized in 87 languages. Developers can use the LZMA SDK, which includes documentation, samples, headers, libraries, and tools for applications using LZMA compression.

Spec sheet

Purpose
7-Zip is a file archiver with a high compression ratio.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Platforms
The download page lists Windows installers, a Linux console version, and a macOS console version.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Support
The support page directs common questions to the 7-Zip forum and bug reports to its bug tracker on SourceForge.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Maker
The site copyright identifies Igor Pavlov.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
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.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Commercial use
The maker says 7-Zip can be used on any computer, including in a commercial organization, without registration or payment.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Compression
The 7z format uses LZMA and LZMA2 compression.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Developer use
The LZMA SDK provides documentation, samples, headers, libraries, and tools for applications that use LZMA compression.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Encryption
7-Zip supports AES-256 encryption in 7z and ZIP formats.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Format limitation
7-Zip can unpack RAR archives but does not list RAR as a format it can pack.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Languages
7-Zip is localized in 87 languages.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
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.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org
Windows features
The Windows version includes Windows Shell integration, a file manager, a command-line version, and a FAR Manager plugin.Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org

Plans and prices

7-Zip Free Free; no registration or payment required File archiver · Windows installer, Linux console version, and macOS console version Read 29 Sep 2026 · 7-zip.org

Every 7-Zip plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free to use without registration or payment.
  • Creates and extracts seven listed archive formats.
  • AES-256 encryption for 7z and ZIP.
  • Available for Windows, Linux, and macOS.
  • Localized in 87 languages.

Limits

  • RAR archives can be extracted, not created.
  • Some code has an unRAR license restriction.

Who it suits

7-Zip suits people who need to create or extract archives across Windows, Linux, or macOS. Developers using LZMA compression can also draw on its SDK materials.

Verdict

7-Zip covers common archive formats, encryption, and command-line use without a fee. Check the RAR creation limitation and the platform-specific Windows features before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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