What is a 7Z file?
7Z (7-Zip Archive) is a high-compression archive format from 7-Zip with strong encryption options. It was introduced in 1999 by Igor Pavlov.
What 7Z is good at
- Excellent compression
- AES-256 encryption
- Free and open
Where 7Z falls short
- Not built into most phones or Macs
- Slower than ZIP
When to use 7Z
- Shrinking large folders
- Archiving for storage
- Sending big files
Where 7Z files open
7Z files open in 7-Zip, WinRAR, The Unarchiver, Keka and most archive tools.
7Z compared with ZIP
7Z or ZIP? 7Z is best for shrinking large folders. ZIP is best for emailing several files at once. Convert 7Z to ZIP or convert ZIP to 7Z.
Frequently asked questions
What is a 7Z file?
7Z (7-Zip Archive) is a high-compression archive format from 7-Zip with strong encryption options. It was introduced in 1999 by Igor Pavlov.
What are the advantages of 7Z?
Excellent compression; aes-256 encryption; free and open.
What are the drawbacks of 7Z?
Not built into most phones or macs; slower than zip.
What programs open 7Z files?
7Z files open in 7-Zip, WinRAR, The Unarchiver, Keka and most archive tools.
How do I convert a 7Z file?
Choose the 7Z converter you need from the list on this page, drop in your file and press Convert. You get your new file in seconds, free and without sign-up.