menu
menu

7-Zip

Manipulate file archives with this open-source tool that supports several formats

6.8

392 Votes

  • Category File Compression
  • Program license Free
  • Version 23.01
  • Size 1.11 MB
  • Works under: Windows 8
  • Program available in English
  • Program by Igor Pavlov

Created originally to simply compress data files, the 7-Zip file archiving utility still efficiently shrinks files in size, but the program has evolved somewhat over the years. Above and beyond this primary feature, the software also manages archived data and encrypts each archive, so security is assured by a 256 bit AES algorithm when this facility is selected. Additionally, the size-reducing utility uses its own proprietary 7z compression format, one that can be used to build self-extracting archives.

The 7-Zip downloader is as compact as one of the archives it creates, so the software downloads rapidly. It's also free to use and comprehensively supported by an open source community. Next, the user interface is gratifyingly uncluttered, yet every feature lies only a single mouse click away. The main features include compression, extraction, archive splitting, testing of compressed files, encryption, and many of the file management tools modern computer users take for granted. With this fact in mind, the copying, moving, and deletion of an archive is easily accomplished.

On still holding a light to the main window, the interface uses a traditional layout, one that places commonly used tools on an upper menu strip and lists files within a large main window. Reminiscent of Windows Explorer or an Internet browser, this approach yields fast results due to its intuitive design. It's from this main window that all currently active and archived data files are manipulated. The software supports other compression types as well as its own 7Z format, but the homespun format does incorporate a file reducing engine that boasts a significantly higher compression ratio than some other compression standards in this class. This feature alone makes the program a tempting proposition, especially when hard drive space is limited or an ISP allows only small attachments on emails.

A comprehensive feature set does make 7-Zip a leader among its peers, and this level of finite control is achieved without making the program top-heavy. Quite the opposite, in fact, for this file archiver avoids messy workflows and keeps its interface clean. User-friendly by design, first-time customers quickly get to grips with the layout and functions of the software, so this program is well-suited for non-computer savvy types, which represents a real advantage considering all of the code manipulation going on beneath the surface. Indeed, this popular file shrinker seamlessly works naturally with its own 7z format, plus it can pack and unpack files that have been created with the TAR and ZIP compression format. Classed as an undoubtedly versatile data archiving utility, 7-Zip is available as either a 32-bit or 64-bit download.

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Tiny 1MB download
  • Unpacks RAR and iso packages
  • Intuitive user interface
  • File archiving management tools
  • Windows context menu compatibility
  • Enhanced compression algorithms
  • Encrypts with 256-bit AES

Cons

  • Limited customization
  • Encryption level is fixed
  • Missing virus scan features
Top 6 7-Zip Alternatives

Ziperello 2.1  2.1

A program that is designed to help recover lost or forgotten passwords to zip archives 

PeaZip  5.2.1

Opens files for extraction to send to other formats

BruteForcer  0.9.1

An application designed for use in cracking passwords

7-Zip  22.01

A high compression open source ratio file archiver

RAR Password Cracker  4.44

A tool that attacks locked RAR files

WinZip for Windows  1.1.159

Industry standard for compression and decompression of files or folders