About the Archive Converter (ZIP, TAR, TAR.GZ)
Different systems prefer different archive formats: Windows and phones like ZIP, while Linux servers, Docker builds and many developer tools expect TAR or TAR.GZ. This converter changes an archive from one format to another without extracting anything to your disk. Pick a ZIP, TAR or TAR.GZ file, choose the format you need and download the converted archive with all the same files and folders. Everything happens in your browser, so it works on any computer or phone without installing software.
Updated October 2026
How to use the Archive Converter (ZIP, TAR, TAR.GZ)
- 1Select a ZIP, TAR, TAR.GZ or TGZ archive.
- 2Check the number of files found.
- 3Choose the format to convert to.
- 4Press Convert.
- 5Download the new archive.
Formats at a glance
Each format has its own strengths.
- ZIP: compresses each file separately, opens everywhere
- TAR: bundles files without compression, keeps Unix details
- TAR.GZ (TGZ): TAR compressed as one stream, usually smaller than ZIP for many small files
How the conversion works
The archive is read into memory, every file and folder is listed, and a new archive is written in the chosen format. ZIP output is compressed with Deflate; TAR.GZ output is a ustar TAR compressed with GZIP. File paths are cleaned so they can't point outside the archive's folder.
Size differences
TAR.GZ compresses all files together, so archives of many similar text files, like source code, are often smaller than ZIP. Archives of photos or videos stay about the same size in any format, because those files are already compressed.
Checking the result
Open the converted archive with the TAR and GZ Extractor or Unzip Files tool to list its contents before you send it.
Typical developer uses
Deploying a site that a designer sent as a ZIP to a Linux server, preparing a TAR.GZ for a Docker build or a package registry, or turning a server backup into a ZIP for a client are all common jobs. Doing it in the browser avoids installing tools on a work computer you don't control.
Folder structure
Folders inside the archive stay exactly where they were, including empty folders from TAR archives. If the archive has a single top folder, it will still be the top folder after conversion, so extracting the new archive gives the same layout as the old one.
Large archives
The whole archive is held in memory while converting, so very large archives of several gigabytes may be too big for a phone or a computer with little memory. For those, desktop tools like 7-Zip or the tar command are better.
Phone and computer
Converting works on any device; large archives are best handled on a computer with plenty of memory. If you only have loose files and need a fresh archive, Create ZIP File packs them in the browser without an upload.
Features
- ZIP ↔ TAR ↔ TAR.GZ
- Folders and file names kept
- Long file names supported
- Compressed ZIP and TAR.GZ output
- No upload
- Works on any device
Frequently asked questions
Why convert ZIP to TAR.GZ?
Many Linux servers, deployment scripts, Docker contexts and package tools expect .tar.gz. Converting saves you unzipping and re-packing by hand.
Why convert TAR.GZ to ZIP?
ZIP opens with a double-click on Windows, macOS, iPhone and Android, so it is easier to share with people who don't use Linux tools.
Are file dates and permissions kept?
File names, folders and contents are kept. Unix permissions and owners aren't carried over from ZIP files, and new TAR files use standard permissions (644 for files, 755 for folders).
Does it support password-protected ZIPs?
No. Remove the password with the program that created the ZIP first.
What about RAR and 7z?
Those formats can't be read here. Use desktop software such as 7-Zip for them.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The archive is converted in your browser.
Can I convert a single .gz file?
A .gz that holds one file isn't an archive of several files. Use the TAR and GZ Extractor to unpack it instead.