What is .7z File Format?
.7z files are compressed files created with the open source 7-Zip file archiving software. 7-Zip is a popular file compression and decompression utility that enables you to open .7z files, as well as other types of archive files such as .zip and .rar.
The .7z file format is one of the most popular file types for archiving and compressing data. It offers higher compression ratios than other formats, such as .zip and .rar. This makes it ideal for reducing the size of large files, such as videos and images, for easy storage and transfer.
In addition to being more efficient than .zip and .rar, .7z files are also more secure. They use AES-256 encryption, which is a very secure encryption algorithm that is used by banks and governments.
Opening a .7z File on Windows
To open a .7z file on Windows, you will need to install the 7-Zip file archiving software. 7-Zip is available as a free download from the official website. Once installed, you can use it to open .7z files. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the .7z file and select “7-Zip” from the context menu.
- Select “Open archive” from the 7-Zip menu.
- Select the files you want to extract from the .7z archive and click “OK”.
- Select the location where you want to save the extracted files and click “OK”.
Opening a .7z File on Mac
To open a .7z file on Mac, you will need to install a third-party file archiving software, such as The Unarchiver. The Unarchiver is a free download from the Mac App Store. Once installed, you can use it to open .7z files. Here’s how:
- Right-click on the .7z file and select “Open With” from the context menu.
- Select “The Unarchiver” from the list of applications.
- Select the files you want to extract from the .7z archive and click “OK”.
- Select the location where you want to save the extracted files and click “OK”.
Conclusion,
The .7z file format is a popular file type for archiving and compressing data due to its high compression ratios and strong security features. It is supported by several file archiving software applications, including 7-Zip and The Unarchiver, both of which are available as free downloads. With either of these applications, you can easily open .7z files on both Windows and Mac.