Extract TAR File Online

Drop files here or click to select

Choose one supported archive to inspect its contents.

Processing takes place in this browser tab. Files are not uploaded by this tool.

Inspect and unpack a TAR archive

TAR is a packaging format commonly used for Unix backups, source distributions, file transfers, and directory snapshots. It records file paths and metadata in one sequential archive without reducing the file data through compression.

TAR records directory paths and file metadata without compressing the payload. This tool saves regular files with safe relative paths and adjusts conflicting names to avoid overwriting files.

How to extract a TAR archive

  1. Choose a TAR file—or any other supported archive—and enter a password if the selected archive requires one.
  2. Click Open Archive to list its files, relative paths, and sizes.
  3. Download one listed file, or use Extract All to Folder to save all regular files while preserving their safe relative paths.

Extract TAR file FAQ

How do I open a TAR file?

Select the .tar file and click Open Archive to inspect its paths. Download saves one entry; Extract All to Folder saves all regular files with their safe relative paths.

What is the difference between TAR and TAR.GZ?

A plain .tar file packages files and metadata but does not compress their contents. A .tar.gz file contains a TAR stream that has also been compressed with GZIP.

Will I see folders stored in the TAR?

Yes. TAR archives normally preserve directory paths, and the listing displays the safe relative path associated with each downloadable file.

Does the TAR file leave my browser?

No. TAR parsing and extraction take place in the browser, with no upload. Output is created only when you click Download or allow Extract All to Folder to write to a selected destination.

Why can a TAR archive fail to open?

It may be truncated, use a less common TAR extension, contain invalid headers, or exceed the browser's practical memory limits. Confirm the file was transferred completely and try a desktop TAR utility if needed.

Related tools: Archive Extractor · Create TAR File · Extract TAR.GZ File · Unzip Files