About the TAR and GZ Extractor
TAR and GZIP archives are common on Linux, macOS and in software downloads, but Windows, phones and many apps can't open them without extra software. This extractor opens .tar, .tar.gz, .tgz and single .gz files right in your browser. It lists every file with its size, lets you search by name, save any file individually or download everything as a ZIP that every computer and phone can open. Long file names from GNU and PAX archives are supported. Nothing is uploaded.
Updated October 2026
How to use the TAR and GZ Extractor
- 1Select a .tar, .tar.gz, .tgz or .gz file.
- 2Wait a moment while it is opened.
- 3Browse or search the list of files.
- 4Press Save next to a file to download it.
- 5Or press Download all as ZIP.
Where you meet TAR.GZ files
Source code releases, Linux software packages, website backups from hosting control panels, database dumps, scientific data sets and log archives are usually shipped as .tar.gz. This tool lets you look inside and take out what you need on any device.
Safety
Archives can contain files with paths like ../../ that try to write outside a folder. This tool cleans those paths, and nothing is extracted to your disk until you choose to download a file. Still, only open programs and scripts from sources you trust.
- Paths cleaned of ../ parts
- Links and device files are skipped
- Files saved only when you choose
Turning a TAR.GZ into a ZIP
Download all as ZIP creates a normal ZIP with the same folders, which opens with a double-click on Windows and macOS and in the Files app on phones. To convert archives between ZIP, TAR and TAR.GZ in other directions, use the Archive Converter.
Damaged archives
If a download was cut short, the tool shows an error and lists the files it could read before the damage. Download the archive again to get the rest.
Searching big archives
Archives of source code or logs can hold thousands of files. Type part of a name in the search box to filter the list; the first 500 matches are shown. Download all as ZIP always includes every file, not just the ones shown.
What the sizes mean
The size next to each file is its unpacked size. The total at the top adds them up, which is usually much larger than the .tar.gz itself because GZIP compression is removed when you open it.
Phone and computer
Opening archives works in any modern browser. Very large archives are best opened on a computer. To change the format use Archive Converter (ZIP, TAR, TAR.GZ), and Create ZIP File for new ones. To change an archive instead of opening it, use Archive Converter (ZIP, TAR, TAR.GZ), and Create ZIP File makes a fresh ZIP. To check how big the unpacked files will be, the Data Storage Converter turns bytes into KB, MB and GB.
Features
- TAR, TAR.GZ, TGZ and GZ
- GNU long names and PAX paths
- Search file names
- Save single files
- Download all as ZIP
- No upload, no software to install
Frequently asked questions
What is a .tar.gz file?
A TAR archive bundles many files into one, and GZIP compresses it. Together they are the Linux and macOS equivalent of a ZIP file. .tgz is a short name for the same thing.
What is a .gz file on its own?
A single compressed file. Opening it gives back the original file, with its original name when the archive stored one.
Can it open RAR or 7z files?
No. Those need different tools. For ZIP files, use our Unzip Files tool.
Is there a size limit?
Archives up to about 1 GB can be opened on a computer with enough memory. Phones manage smaller archives.
Are file permissions kept?
The download contains the files and folders; Unix permissions and symbolic links aren't kept, because ZIP downloads and phones don't use them.
Is anything uploaded?
No. The archive is read and unpacked in your browser.
Can I open a .tar.bz2 or .tar.xz file?
Not yet. Those use bzip2 and xz compression, which this tool doesn't read. Use 7-Zip on Windows or the Archive Utility on Mac.