What is .7z?
.7z is an open, high-compression archive format used by the 7-Zip utility. It supports a variety of compression algorithms, strong AES-256 encryption, and solid archiving, making it popular for power users who need maximum compression efficiency.
This quick guide explains when to use .7z files, how to open them on any device, and how to share them instantly with FileXhost.
When to use .7z files
- You want better compression ratios than ZIP for large or redundant data sets.
- You are sharing archives with technical users who can install 7-Zip or similar tools.
- You need strong AES-256 encryption and password protection.
- You are backing up or archiving project files where size matters more than universal compatibility.
How to open .7z files
7Z files are best opened with 7-Zip on Windows, but many other tools (PeaZip, WinRAR, Keka, The Unarchiver, p7zip) can extract them as well. On macOS and Linux, graphical archivers and the p7zip CLI handle .7z archives. Browsers will download .7z files; extraction always happens via external tools. You can upload .7z files to FileXhost and share them as single download links.
Algorithm details
The 7z format typically uses the LZMA or LZMA2 compression algorithms, which combine large dictionaries, range coding, and advanced modeling for very high compression ratios. It supports solid compression (treating multiple files as a single stream), which greatly improves compression for similar files, as well as filters (e.g., BCJ2) for executable and other specialized data.
Browser & platform support
- Desktop: Browsers treat 7Z as a downloadable file; there is no native in-browser extraction.
- Mobile: Extraction requires a dedicated archive app from the app store.
- OS: No OS has native 7Z creation or extraction; third-party tools are required.
Format comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Compression | Often better compression than ZIP and sometimes better than RAR, especially with solid archives. |
| Compatibility | Less universal than ZIP; recipients may need to install 7-Zip or similar tools. |
| Licensing | Open and free to use; 7-Zip is licensed under the LGPL with some unRAR restrictions. |
| Features | Supports strong AES-256 encryption, solid archives, and flexible compression settings. |
How to create 7z files
- 7-Zip: Primary tool for creating 7Z archives on Windows.
- p7zip: Cross-platform CLI for Linux and macOS.
- GUI Archivers: PeaZip, Keka, Bandizip (with 7Z support).
- Context Menus: On Windows, 7-Zip can integrate with Explorer for quick 'Add to archive' actions.
How to convert 7z files
- FileXhost: Upload 7Z archives for distribution; recipients will extract locally.
- Desktop: Use 7-Zip, PeaZip, or Keka to repack between 7Z, ZIP, RAR, and TAR-based formats.
- CLI: 7z or p7zip for scripting compression, extraction, and conversion.
Advantages & disadvantages
Advantages
- Excellent compression ratios, especially for similar or text-heavy files
- Open, well-documented format with free tools
- Supports strong AES-256 encryption and advanced features
- Good choice for backups and power users
Disadvantages
- No native OS support; requires extra software to open
- Less convenient for non-technical recipients compared to ZIP
- Solid archives can be slower to update or partially extract
Tools & software
Archivers
7-Zip, PeaZip, Bandizip, Keka, The Unarchiver
CLI
7z, p7zip, 7za
Frequently asked questions
Is 7Z better than ZIP?
For compression effectiveness, usually yes—7Z (with LZMA/LZMA2) often produces smaller files than ZIP. However, ZIP wins for universal compatibility since it can be opened without extra software on most systems.
Can I open 7Z files without 7-Zip?
Yes. Many tools like PeaZip, WinRAR, Bandizip, Keka, and The Unarchiver can extract 7Z archives. On Linux and macOS, p7zip provides CLI support.
Is 7Z safe to use for backups?
Yes, especially with AES-256 encryption and solid compression. Just ensure you keep multiple copies and remember your passwords—encrypted archives are unrecoverable if you lose the key.
Why don't operating systems support 7Z natively?
ZIP became the de facto standard for OS-level integration. 7Z focuses on maximum compression and flexibility, which is more common in power-user tools than in built-in system utilities.
Technical specs
- File type
- Archive
- Extension
- .7z
- MIME type
- application/x-7z-compressed
- Compression
- Lossless
- Max file size on FileXhost
- Up to 25 MB per file on the free plan and up to 1 GB on Pro FileXhost accounts.
Share .7z files instantly
Upload your .7z file to FileXhost to get a clean, shareable URL in seconds. View the file in a modern browser, protect access with optional settings, and let others download it without any confusing ads or cluttered file pages.
Upload .7z file