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SPECIFICTION
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Ark

apps.kde.org

Free plan WindowsLinux
Visit apps.kde.org
Spec score 7.9 #11 of 36 in File Compression Software

What it is

Ark is a free graphical utility for creating and managing compressed files and archives on Linux and Windows. It can browse, extract, create, and modify archives, and preview file contents without extracting them. Its listed formats include tar, gzip, bzip2, zip, rar, 7z, xz, rpm, cab, deb, xar, AppImage, and CD-ROM images. Ark also supports archive encryption, split archives, and command-line tools. The listed plan costs nothing, with no plan limits stated, and the application is licensed under GPL-2.0+. On Linux, KDE offers installation through AppStream stores, distribution package managers, and Flathub. KDE lists Windows as a platform and provides a Windows nightly installer for testing. Its help links include the Ark Handbook, UserBase Wiki, and KDE Forum; KDE also provides a bug-reporting link and access to the source code. KDE describes itself as an international community developing free and open-source software, represented for legal and financial matters by KDE e.V., a registered nonprofit in Germany.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Ark is a graphical utility for compressing and decompressing files and archives.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · apps.kde.org
Support
KDE links to the Ark Handbook, UserBase Wiki, and KDE Forum for help.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
License
The KDE Ark page identifies its license as GPL-2.0+.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Maker
KDE describes itself as an international community developing free and open-source software.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kde.org
Archive operations
Ark can browse, extract, create, and modify archives.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Issue reporting
KDE provides a link to report Ark bugs.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Legal entity
KDE says its community is represented in legal and financial matters by KDE e.V., a registered nonprofit in Germany.Read 5 Oct 2026 · kde.org
Linux installation
KDE offers Linux installation through AppStream application stores, distribution package managers, and Flathub.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Preview
Ark can preview file contents without extracting them.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Source code
KDE provides a link to browse Ark's source code.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Supported formats
The site lists tar, gzip, bzip2, rar, zip, and CD-ROM images, and its features list also includes 7z.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org
Windows availability
The KDE Ark page lists Windows as another platform and provides a Windows nightly installer for testing.Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org

Plans and prices

Ark Free Free desktop application · no plan limits stated Read 5 Oct 2026 · apps.kde.org

Every Ark plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Creates, browses, extracts, and modifies archives.
  • Previews files without extracting them.
  • Supports a broad list of archive formats.
  • Encryption and split archives are supported.
  • Free; listed plan costs nothing.

Limits

  • Windows availability is a nightly installer for testing.
  • No free trial is listed.

Who it suits

Ark suits desktop users who need to browse and manage archives on Linux or Windows. It may also suit users who need previewing, encryption, or split archives.

Verdict

Ark covers common archive tasks and several additional formats and operations without a listed cost. Windows users should note that KDE provides a nightly installer for testing.

Where Specifiction places it

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