What is a TAR.GZ file?
TAR.GZ (Gzip-compressed TAR Archive) is a TAR archive compressed with gzip, the default package format on Linux. It was introduced in 1992 by Unix and the GNU project.
What TAR.GZ is good at
- Fast compression and extraction
- Keeps Unix permissions
- Supported by every Linux system
Where TAR.GZ falls short
- Compresses less than TAR.XZ or 7Z
- Not native on Windows before Windows 11
When to use TAR.GZ
- Linux software packages
- Web server backups
- Source code releases
Where TAR.GZ files open
TAR.GZ files open in Linux, macOS, Windows 11, 7-Zip and WinRAR.
TAR.GZ compared with ZIP
TAR.GZ or ZIP? TAR.GZ is best for Linux software packages. ZIP is best for emailing several files at once. Convert TAR.GZ to ZIP or convert ZIP to TAR.GZ.
Frequently asked questions
What is a TAR.GZ file?
TAR.GZ (Gzip-compressed TAR Archive) is a TAR archive compressed with gzip, the default package format on Linux. It was introduced in 1992 by Unix and the GNU project.
What are the advantages of TAR.GZ?
Fast compression and extraction; keeps unix permissions; supported by every linux system.
What are the drawbacks of TAR.GZ?
Compresses less than tar.xz or 7z; not native on windows before windows 11.
What programs open TAR.GZ files?
TAR.GZ files open in Linux, macOS, Windows 11, 7-Zip and WinRAR.
How do I convert a TAR.GZ file?
Choose the TAR.GZ 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.