Repackage RAR Archive as TAR
Proprietary format — creating RAR files requires WinRAR (paid license), though extraction is free via unrar/7-Zip. Converting to TAR gives you a key advantage: preserves unix file metadata (permissions, ownership, symlinks, timestamps) that zip silently strips. TAR is best for bundling files and directories into a single archive while preserving unix file permissions and ownership.
Why Convert RAR to TAR?
Proprietary format — creating RAR files requires WinRAR (paid license), though extraction is free via unrar/7-Zip — converting to TAR overcomes this by providing preserves unix file metadata (permissions, ownership, symlinks, timestamps) that zip silently strips
TAR is the right choice when you need to: packaging linux/unix software distributions and source code releases
Gain broader compatibility — TAR works with Unix/Linux/macOS (native), Windows via 7-Zip, Git, and WSL; fundamental to every Unix system
Your RAR files were created for creating archives with recovery records for reliable transfer over unreliable connections, but now you need a format suited to different workflows
RAR vs TAR — Format Comparison
Roshal Archive (.rar)
Tape Archive (.tar)
How to Convert RAR to TAR
Upload your RAR file
Drag your .rar file onto the upload area or click to browse. We accept RAR files up to 2 GB.
Choose TAR as output format
Select .tar (Tape Archive) from the format list. Configure any format-specific settings to match your requirements.
Convert and download
Click Convert and wait for processing. Your TAR file will be ready to download in seconds. The result is optimized for bundling files and directories into a single archive while preserving unix file permissions and ownership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the RAR to TAR conversion lossless?
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When both formats support lossless data, the conversion preserves all content. Exact file preservation including permissions, ownership, symlinks, and extended attributes.
How large will my TAR file be compared to the original RAR?
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RAR files are typically 1 KB – unlimited (multi-volume), while TAR files are typically 1 KB – unlimited (uncompressed). The actual size depends on content complexity and any quality settings you choose.
What software can open the converted TAR file?
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TAR is compatible with: Unix/Linux/macOS (native), Windows via 7-Zip, Git, and WSL; fundamental to every Unix system.
What is the maximum file size I can convert?
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PureConverter accepts RAR files up to 2 GB. Your files are processed securely and deleted from our servers after conversion.
What's the difference between RAR and TAR?
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RAR (Roshal Archive) is best for compressing large files with recovery records that protect against download corruption. TAR (Tape Archive) is best for bundling files and directories into a single archive while preserving unix file permissions and ownership. Key tradeoff: RAR's advantage is built-in recovery records can repair corrupted archives, and solid compression mode achieves ratios better than zip, while TAR's advantage is preserves unix file metadata (permissions, ownership, symlinks, timestamps) that zip silently strips.
Pro Tips for RAR to TAR Conversion
Review the output TAR file to ensure all formatting and content transferred correctly from your RAR source
Keep a backup of your original RAR file — while our conversion is reliable, having the source is always recommended
TAR works especially well for: backing up entire directory trees with preserved permissions for system migration
Did you know? TAR was literally designed for magnetic tape drives in 1979 — the name "Tape Archive" reflects its origin, and the sequential file layout matches how data is written to tape (no random access possible).
Ready to Convert?
Upload your RAR file above and get your TAR in seconds. Free, fast, and secure.