Archive file extension database
Plain-English explanations for common, legacy, software, disk image, and ZIP-based document package formats.
Start with common archive types
This overview shows the most common archive, package, disk image, and ZIP-based document formats. The full directory lists every file type in this build.
.zip
The standard compressed archive format used for packaging files and folders.
Archive + compression.rar
A proprietary archive format often used for multi-part downloads and high compression.
Archive + compression.7z
A high-compression archive format created by 7-Zip.
Package/archive.tar
A Unix-style package that bundles files but does not compress them by itself.
Package + compression.tar.gz
A TAR archive compressed with Gzip, common in Linux and open-source downloads.
Package + compression.tgz
A shorter filename form of TAR.GZ used for compressed TAR archives.
Compression stream.gz
A single-file Gzip compressed stream, often used with TAR.
Compression stream.bz2
A Bzip2 compressed file, often seen in Unix and Linux archives.
Compression stream.xz
A high-ratio compression stream commonly used for Linux packages.
Compression stream.zst
A Zstandard compressed file known for fast compression and decompression.
Archive + compression.zipx
An extended ZIP format that can use newer compression methods.
Disk image.iso
A disk image that stores the contents of an optical disc or bootable installer.
Archive.cab
A Microsoft cabinet archive used by Windows installers and updates.
Installer package.msi
A Windows Installer package that may contain cabinet-style installation data.
Disk image.dmg
A macOS disk image used to distribute applications and installers.
Installer package.pkg
An installer package used by macOS and other systems.
Application package.apk
An Android app package that is structurally similar to a ZIP archive.
Application package.xapk
An Android app package bundle often containing APK files and extra data.
Application package.jar
A Java archive package that uses ZIP structure with Java metadata.
Application package.war
A Java web application archive based on ZIP structure.
Application package.ear
A Java enterprise application archive that packages multiple modules.
Software package.deb
A Debian Linux software package.
Software package.rpm
A Red Hat package manager file for Linux software distribution.
Archive.cpio
An older Unix archive format used in system images and initramfs files.