Access this format
7-Zip Archive — High compression format for maximum space savings.
Quick Facts About 7Z Files
Quick Facts
What is a this type File?
Need to open this file file?this format is the native archive format of the free 7-Zip compression program. It uses the LZMA compression algorithm, which typically achieves 30-70% better compression than ZIP.
The 7Z format is completely open source and free to use. It supports strong AES-256 encryption, file names encryption, and solid compression (treating multiple files as one continuous data stream for better ratios).
The downside is that the file isn't as universally supported as ZIP, so you typically need 7-Zip or similar software to open these files.
How to Open this type Files
| Program | Platform | Price |
|---|---|---|
| 7-Zip | Windows | Free |
| The Unarchiver | Mac | Free |
| PeaZip | All platforms | Free |
| Windows 11 | Windows | Built-in |
| WinRAR | Windows | Freemium |
Windows: Install 7-Zip, then right-click → 7-Zip → Extract Here
Mac: Install The Unarchiver, then double-click the file
these files vs ZIP vs RAR
| Feature | 7Z | ZIP | RAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compression | Best | Good | Very Good |
| Native Support | Windows 11 only | All systems | Windows 11 only |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 or weak | AES-256 |
| Open Source | Yes | Yes | No |
| Free to Create | Yes | Yes | No (WinRAR) |
Technical Specifications
| File Extension | .7z |
| MIME Type | application/x-the extension-compressed |
| Developed By | Igor Pavlov |
| First Released | 1999 |
| Compression | LZMA, LZMA2, PPMd, BZip2 |
| Encryption | AES-256 |
| Magic Number | 37 7A BC AF 27 1C |
Related File Types
Quick Summary: How to View it
To open the extension file on any device: Windows users can use built-in apps or free software. Mac users have native support. Mobile users can download free apps. The easiest way to launch this formats is using the recommended tools above.
Related File Formats
If you work with 7Z archives, you might also need these related formats: