Repackage ZIP Archive as TAR
DEFLATE compression is weaker than 7z's LZMA2; large archives with many files have higher overhead per entry. 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 ZIP to TAR?
DEFLATE compression is weaker than 7z's LZMA2; large archives with many files have higher overhead per entry — 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 ZIP files were created for distributing software releases and code packages for download, but now you need a format suited to different workflows
ZIP vs TAR — Format Comparison
ZIP Archive (.zip)
Tape Archive (.tar)
How to Convert ZIP to TAR
Upload your ZIP file
Drag your .zip file onto the upload area or click to browse. We accept ZIP 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 ZIP 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 ZIP?
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ZIP files are typically 1 KB – 4 GB (ZIP64 for larger), 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 ZIP files up to 2 GB. Your files are processed securely and deleted from our servers after conversion.
What's the difference between ZIP and TAR?
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ZIP (ZIP Archive) is best for compressing and bundling files for sharing, with built-in support on every major operating system. TAR (Tape Archive) is best for bundling files and directories into a single archive while preserving unix file permissions and ownership. Key tradeoff: ZIP's advantage is native os support on windows, macos, and linux — no third-party software needed to create or extract, while TAR's advantage is preserves unix file metadata (permissions, ownership, symlinks, timestamps) that zip silently strips.
Pro Tips for ZIP to TAR Conversion
Review the output TAR file to ensure all formatting and content transferred correctly from your ZIP source
Keep a backup of your original ZIP 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 ZIP file above and get your TAR in seconds. Free, fast, and secure.