How to Extract RAR Files

RAR files have greater ease of use since sharing and storing files is relatively simple in this format. The compression of files in the .rar form creates ample space for storage of the data with negligible compromises. It facilitates a huge amount of data storage by compression, provides excellent error recovery file sharing spanning systems. The format is named after Eugene Roshal, a Russian software engineer, who is also credited with the development of FAR file system and the WinRAR file archive. He developed the RAR format around the year 1993.

How to Create RAR Files?

The RAR file format differs from the ZIP format, since the former uses a better file compression mechanism. The use of space securing techniques and organization of data is quite efficiently managed in this system. There are many ways in which RAR files can be opened. The Internet is a feasible medium to get some free software programs that can open or extract these files. In order to create a RAR file, a data compression utility or a RAR extractor that can handle the .rar extension files must be downloaded. Currently, the best option available is the 'WinRAR' format as it can create as well as extract files supporting .rar formats. Use of the original version of the software is recommended for the creation of a proper compressed file and also to effectively extract the file.

You can use a trial version, supporting a wide range of file formats like RAR, CAB, Z files, 7-Zip, ISO, TAR, ZIP, ACE and other such file formats. After the downloading and installation process, select the folder for compression, right click it and select the 'add to archive' option. A window titled, 'archive name and parameters' will pop up on the computer screen. Select the name of the compressed folder from the 'archive name' field in the general section. Choose an appropriate location path for the file to be saved and ensure that the RAR format is selected for the file. The compression type can be chosen according to the speed desired. Finally, click OK to start the compression of file.

How to Extract RAR Files?

Right click on the .rar file you want to extract, which will open up a new window with a list of options. You can select a location for extracting the file by clicking on 'extract to' or use the same location by clicking on the 'extract here' option. Multiple RAR files can be extracted by highlighting all the files that need to be extracted. The procedure following is the same as that for a single file. If the first file is being repeated, it would prompt you with a query for replacement. Click on 'yes' and complete the extraction procedure.

After extraction, the main file can be obtained in its original format. If you are using a Linux system, the command used for extraction is 'unrar'. The binaries for the same are not automatically installed along with the Linux software, but have to be separately downloaded. The format for the same is given as follows.

For extraction in the current directory location, the command is, 'unrar e(filename).rar', and when the full path is to be mentioned, simply replace 'x' with 'e' before the file name in the above command. The contents of the file can be listed by replacing 'e' by 'l', in the same command.

Thus, these simple steps can help you understand how to extract RAR files. The RAR file format has enhanced and eased the system of storing data, and hence is a very popular format amongst users.