ARJ File (What It Is & How To Open One)

What is an ARJ file?

An ARJ file is a compressed file archive that uses the ARJ (Archived by Robert Jung) compression format. It was created by Robert K. Jung in the late 1980s and quickly gained popularity due to its high compression ratio and fast compression and decompression speeds.

ARJ files are commonly used to bundle multiple files and directories into a single compressed file, making it easier to transfer and store large amounts of data. The ARJ format supports various compression methods, including LZ77 and Huffman coding, which allow for efficient compression of different types of files.

ARJ files can be identified by their “.arj” file extension. They are often used for archiving and distributing files, especially on older systems or in situations where bandwidth or storage capacity is limited.

One notable feature of ARJ files is the ability to create multi-volume archives, which means that large files can be split into smaller parts, often referred to as volumes or segments. This feature is particularly useful when transferring large files over multiple disks or when dealing with file size limitations.

In addition to compression, ARJ files also support file and directory encryption, allowing users to protect their content with passwords. This adds an extra layer of security and privacy to the files contained within the archive.

ARJ files can be opened and extracted using various software tools compatible with the ARJ format. These tools provide a user-friendly interface to browse the contents of the ARJ file, extract specific files or folders, and even create new ARJ archives.

Now that you have a basic understanding of what an ARJ file is, let’s explore how you can open and extract its contents using different software options.

How do I open an ARJ file?

Opening an ARJ file is relatively easy and can be done using various software tools that support the ARJ compression format. Here are a few options to consider:

1. Using ARJ Software: The most straightforward way to open an ARJ file is by using dedicated ARJ software, such as ARJ archiver itself. You can download the software from the official ARJ website and install it on your computer. Once installed, simply launch the ARJ software, navigate to the location of the ARJ file, and use the extraction options to extract the contents.
2. Using WinRAR: Another popular option is to use WinRAR, a powerful file compression and extraction utility. Simply right-click on the ARJ file, select “Extract Here” or “Extract Files,” and WinRAR will automatically extract the contents to the specified location.
3. Using 7-Zip: 7-Zip is a free, open-source file archiver that supports numerous compression formats, including ARJ. To open an ARJ file using 7-Zip, right-click on the file, hover over the 7-Zip option in the context menu, and select “Extract here” or “Extract files.” 7-Zip will then extract the contents to the chosen location.
4. Using WinZip: WinZip is a well-known file compression and extraction software that also supports the ARJ format. Open WinZip, navigate to the location of the ARJ file, and click on “Unzip” or “Open” to extract the contents.
5. Using PeaZip: PeaZip is another free and open-source file archiver that can handle ARJ files. Launch PeaZip, locate the ARJ file, and use the extraction options to extract the contents to your desired location.

These are just a few options available for opening ARJ files. There are several other software tools, such as PowerArchiver, Bandizip, FreeArc, StuffIt Expander, and more, which support the ARJ format. Choose the one that suits your needs and preferences.

By using these software tools, you can easily open and extract the contents of ARJ files, making it convenient to access the files and directories stored within the archive.

Option 1: Using ARJ Software

If you prefer using the dedicated ARJ software itself to open ARJ files, you can follow these steps:

1. Download and install the ARJ archiver software from the official ARJ website.
2. Launch the ARJ software on your computer.
3. Navigate to the location where the ARJ file is saved.
4. Within the ARJ software, use the interface to browse the contents of the ARJ file.
5. Select the specific files or folders that you want to extract from the ARJ file.
6. Choose the destination folder where you want to extract the selected files.
7. Click on the extraction button or option within the ARJ software to begin the extraction process.
8. Wait for the ARJ software to extract the files and folders from the ARJ archive to the specified location.
9. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder you specified.

Using ARJ software gives you full control over the extraction process and ensures compatibility with the ARJ file format. It is a reliable and efficient option if you frequently work with ARJ files or if you prefer using the official software.

Remember to keep the ARJ software updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to take advantage of any new features or improvements.

Now that you know how to use the ARJ software to open ARJ files, let’s explore other software options that can help you open ARJ files as well.

Option 2: Using WinRAR

WinRAR is a popular and widely used file compression and extraction utility that supports a wide range of compression formats, including ARJ. If you have WinRAR installed on your computer, you can easily open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Locate the ARJ file that you want to open on your computer.
2. Right-click on the ARJ file to open the context menu.
3. In the context menu, hover over the “WinRAR” option.
4. In the sub-menu, select either “Extract Here” or “Extract Files” depending on your preference.
5. WinRAR will then extract the contents of the ARJ file to the specified location or the same folder as the ARJ file itself.
6. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination directory.

Using WinRAR to open ARJ files is a convenient option if you already have WinRAR installed and are familiar with its interface. WinRAR offers a user-friendly experience with a wide range of features to manage compressed files and folders.

It’s worth noting that WinRAR also allows you to create ARJ files in addition to extracting them. If you frequently work with ARJ files or other compression formats, WinRAR provides a comprehensive solution for managing your archives.

Make sure to keep WinRAR updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to benefit from any performance improvements or bug fixes.

In the next section, we will explore another option for opening ARJ files using the popular 7-Zip software.

Option 3: Using 7-Zip

7-Zip is a free and open-source file archiver that supports various compression formats, including ARJ. If you have 7-Zip installed on your computer, you can easily open ARJ files by following these simple steps:

1. Locate the ARJ file that you want to open on your computer.
2. Right-click on the ARJ file to open the context menu.
3. In the context menu, hover over the “7-Zip” option.
4. In the 7-Zip sub-menu, select either “Extract Here” or “Extract files…” depending on your preference.
5. 7-Zip will then begin extracting the contents of the ARJ file to the specified location.
6. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination directory.

Using 7-Zip offers a simple and effective way to open ARJ files. It is known for its high compression ratio and its ability to handle a wide range of archive formats, including ARJ.

7-Zip also allows you to create ARJ files, making it a versatile tool for managing your compressed files. It supports encryption and password protection, ensuring the security of your archived data.

Whether you need to extract specific files from an ARJ archive or explore the entire contents, 7-Zip provides a user-friendly interface and robust functionality to meet your needs.

Remember to keep 7-Zip updated to take advantage of any new features, improvements, or bug fixes.

Now that you know how to open ARJ files using 7-Zip, let’s move on to explore another option: using WinZip.

Option 4: Using WinZip

WinZip is a popular file compression and extraction software that offers support for various archive formats, including ARJ. If you have WinZip installed on your computer, you can easily open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Locate the ARJ file that you want to open on your computer.
2. Right-click on the ARJ file to open the context menu.
3. In the context menu, hover over the “WinZip” option.
4. In the WinZip sub-menu, select “Unzip to here” or “Open with WinZip.”
5. WinZip will then extract the contents of the ARJ file to the specified location.
6. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination directory.

Using WinZip provides a user-friendly and intuitive way to open ARJ files. WinZip offers a range of features, such as encryption, file preview, and integration with cloud services, providing a comprehensive solution for managing compressed files.

WinZip also allows you to create ARJ files, making it a versatile tool for archiving your files and folders. With its sleek interface and robust functionality, WinZip remains a popular choice among users seeking a powerful compression and extraction software.

It’s important to keep WinZip updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to benefit from any performance enhancements or bug fixes provided by the software updates.

Now that you know how to open ARJ files using WinZip, let’s explore another option: using PeaZip.

Option 5: Using PeaZip

PeaZip is a free and open-source file archiver that supports a wide range of compression formats, including ARJ. If you have PeaZip installed on your computer, you can easily open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Launch PeaZip on your computer.
2. Click on the “Open” button, or use the file menu to navigate to the location of the ARJ file.
3. Once you locate the ARJ file, select it and click on the “Extract” button.
4. Choose the destination folder where you want to extract the contents of the ARJ file.
5. Click on the “OK” button to start the extraction process.
6. Wait for PeaZip to extract the files and folders from the ARJ archive to the specified location.
7. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder you specified.

PeaZip offers a straightforward and user-friendly interface to open and extract ARJ files. It provides a range of advanced features, including file encryption, file splitting, and multi-volume support, making it a versatile tool for managing your files and archives.

With its cross-platform compatibility, PeaZip can be used on various operating systems, such as Windows, macOS, and Linux, ensuring that you can open ARJ files regardless of the platform you are using.

PeaZip is constantly updated, adding support for new compression formats and improving performance and security. It’s advisable to keep PeaZip updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to benefit from any new features and enhancements introduced in the software.

Now that you know how to use PeaZip to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using PowerArchiver.

Option 6: Using PowerArchiver

PowerArchiver is a comprehensive file compression and extraction software that supports a wide range of archive formats, including ARJ. If you have PowerArchiver installed on your computer, you can easily open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Launch PowerArchiver on your computer.
2. In the PowerArchiver interface, click on the “Open” button or use the file menu to navigate to the location of the ARJ file.
3. Select the ARJ file you want to open.
4. Click on the “Extract” button in the PowerArchiver toolbar.
5. Choose the destination folder where you want to extract the contents of the ARJ file.
6. Click on the “OK” button to start the extraction process.
7. Wait for PowerArchiver to extract the files and folders from the ARJ archive to the specified location.
8. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder you specified.

PowerArchiver offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of features, such as encryption, file splitting, batch compression, and integration with cloud storage services. It provides a comprehensive solution for managing your compressed files, including ARJ archives.

PowerArchiver also supports creating ARJ files, allowing you to compress and archive your files and folders with ease. With its advanced compression algorithms and customizable options, PowerArchiver offers efficient and flexible archiving capabilities.

It’s important to keep PowerArchiver updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to take advantage of any new features and improvements introduced in the software updates.

Now that you know how to use PowerArchiver to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using Bandizip.

Option 7: Using Bandizip

Bandizip is a lightweight and fast file compression and extraction software that supports various archive formats, including ARJ. If you have Bandizip installed on your computer, you can easily open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Launch Bandizip on your computer.
2. In the Bandizip interface, click on the “Open” button or use the file menu to navigate to the location of the ARJ file.
3. Select the ARJ file you want to open.
4. Click on the “Extract” button in the Bandizip toolbar.
5. Choose the destination folder where you want to extract the contents of the ARJ file.
6. Click on the “Extract” button to start the extraction process.
7. Wait for Bandizip to extract the files and folders from the ARJ archive to the specified location.
8. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder you specified.

Bandizip offers a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to open and extract ARJ files. It provides fast and efficient compression and extraction capabilities, ensuring a smooth user experience.

In addition to ARJ files, Bandizip supports a wide range of archive formats, allowing you to manage various compressed files using one software tool. It also offers features such as password protection, file encryption, and file splitting for enhanced security and flexibility.

Bandizip is constantly updated, adding support for new compression formats and improving performance and user experience. It’s recommended to keep Bandizip updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to benefit from any new features and enhancements introduced in the software.

Now that you know how to use Bandizip to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using FreeArc.

Option 8: Using FreeArc

FreeArc is a free and open-source file compression and extraction software that supports multiple archive formats, including ARJ. If you have FreeArc installed on your computer, you can open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Launch FreeArc on your computer.
2. Click on the “Open” button or navigate to the file menu and select “Open Archive.”
3. In the file explorer window, locate the ARJ file you want to open.
4. Select the ARJ file and click on the “Open” button to load it into FreeArc.
5. Browse the contents of the ARJ file within the FreeArc interface.
6. To extract specific files or folders, select them and click on the “Extract” button.
7. Choose the destination folder where you want to extract the files from the ARJ file.
8. Click on the “OK” button to start the extraction process.
9. Wait for FreeArc to extract the selected files or folders to the specified location.
10. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder you specified.

FreeArc provides a simple and efficient way to open and extract ARJ files. It emphasizes high compression ratios and fast extraction speeds, making it a suitable choice when working with large ARJ archives.

Aside from its ARJ support, FreeArc offers a range of other features, including strong encryption, error recovery, and file splitting. These features ensure data security and integrity when working with compressed files.

FreeArc is updated periodically, introducing bug fixes and performance enhancements. It’s recommended to keep FreeArc updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to take advantage of any new features or improvements introduced in the software.

Now that you know how to use FreeArc to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using StuffIt Expander.

Option 9: Using StuffIt Expander

StuffIt Expander is a popular file compression and extraction software that supports various archive formats, including ARJ. If you have StuffIt Expander installed on your computer, you can easily open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Locate the ARJ file that you want to open on your computer.
2. Right-click on the ARJ file to open the context menu.
3. In the context menu, hover over the “StuffIt Expander” option.
4. In the sub-menu, select “Open With StuffIt Expander.”
5. StuffIt Expander will then extract the contents of the ARJ file to the specified location or the same folder as the ARJ file itself.
6. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder.

StuffIt Expander offers a user-friendly interface and quick extraction of ARJ files. It can handle other compressed formats as well, making it a versatile tool for managing various types of archives.

StuffIt Expander is known for its compatibility and supports both Windows and macOS operating systems. It allows for seamless opening and extraction of ARJ files without the need for complex configuration.

Make sure to keep StuffIt Expander updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to benefit from any new features or improvements that may enhance your experience.

Now that you know how to use StuffIt Expander to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using ALZip.

Option 10: Using ALZip

ALZip is a powerful and user-friendly file compression and extraction software that supports various archive formats, including ARJ. If you have ALZip installed on your computer, you can open ARJ files by following these steps:

1. Launch ALZip on your computer.
2. In the ALZip interface, click on the “File” menu and select “Open.”
3. In the file explorer window, locate the ARJ file you want to open.
4. Select the ARJ file and click on the “Open” button.
5. Browse the contents of the ARJ file within the ALZip interface.
6. To extract specific files or folders, select them and click on the “Extract” button.
7. Choose the destination folder where you want to extract the files from the ARJ file.
8. Click on the “OK” button to start the extraction process.
9. Wait for ALZip to extract the selected files or folders to the specified location.
10. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder you specified.

ALZip provides a comprehensive set of features and a straightforward interface, making it easy to open and extract ARJ files. It offers support for various archive formats, ensuring compatibility with different compressed files.

ALZip also supports creating ARJ files, allowing you to compress and archive your files and folders conveniently. With its robust performance and ease of use, ALZip provides a reliable solution for managing your archived files.

Make sure to keep ALZip updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to benefit from any new features or enhancements introduced in the software updates.

Now that you know how to use ALZip to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using Unzip-Online.

Option 11: Using Unzip-Online

If you prefer a web-based solution for opening ARJ files, you can use Unzip-Online. Unzip-Online is a convenient and easy-to-use online file extraction service that supports various archive formats, including ARJ. To open an ARJ file using Unzip-Online, follow these steps:

1. Open a web browser and navigate to the Unzip-Online website.
2. Click on the “Choose File” or “Upload” button to select the ARJ file you want to open.
3. Wait for the file to upload and for Unzip-Online to process it.
4. Once the file is processed, you will see a list of the files and folders contained within the ARJ archive.
5. Click on the individual files to download them, or use the option to download the entire archive as a ZIP file.

Unzip-Online offers a quick and accessible way to open ARJ files without the need to install additional software on your computer. It allows you to extract specific files or download the entire archive for further use or exploration.

Keep in mind that Unzip-Online is an online service, so a stable internet connection is required to upload and process your ARJ files. Additionally, it is always essential to ensure the security and privacy of your files, so use reputable and trusted online services when handling sensitive data.

Now that you know how to use Unzip-Online to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using File Extractor.

Option 12: Using File Extractor

If you are looking for a versatile and easy-to-use tool to open ARJ files, File Extractor is an excellent choice. File Extractor is a dedicated software program that allows you to extract the contents of various archive formats, including ARJ. To open an ARJ file using File Extractor, follow these steps:

1. Download and install File Extractor on your computer from the official website.
2. Launch File Extractor on your computer.
3. In the File Extractor interface, click on the “Open” button or use the file menu to navigate to the location of the ARJ file.
4. Select the ARJ file you want to open.
5. Click on the “Extract” button within File Extractor.
6. Choose the destination folder where you want to extract the contents of the ARJ file.
7. Click on the “OK” button to start the extraction process.
8. Wait for File Extractor to extract the files and folders from the ARJ archive to the specified location.
9. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder you specified.

File Extractor is a user-friendly software program that provides a simple and efficient way to open ARJ files. It supports a wide range of compression formats and provides an intuitive interface for managing compressed files.

With its fast extraction speeds and reliability, File Extractor ensures a smooth and hassle-free extraction process. It is a valuable tool for those who frequently work with compressed archives, including ARJ files.

When using File Extractor, it’s important to keep the software updated to ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and to benefit from any new features or improvements introduced in the updates.

Now that you know how to use File Extractor to open ARJ files, let’s move on to explore another option: using The Unarchiver (for Mac users).

Option 13: Using The Unarchiver (for Mac users)

If you are a Mac user, an excellent option for opening ARJ files is The Unarchiver. The Unarchiver is a popular and free software program designed specifically for Mac users to handle various archive formats, including ARJ. To open an ARJ file on your Mac using The Unarchiver, follow these steps:

1. Download and install The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store or the official website.
2. Locate the ARJ file you want to open.
3. Right-click on the ARJ file to open the context menu.
4. In the context menu, hover over the “Open With” option.
5. In the sub-menu, select “The Unarchiver.”
6. The Unarchiver will then extract the contents of the ARJ file to the specified location or the same folder as the ARJ file itself.
7. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder.

The Unarchiver provides a seamless and user-friendly experience for opening ARJ files on Mac. It can handle a wide range of archive formats, making it a versatile tool for managing compressed files.

With its easy installation process and integration into the Mac operating system, The Unarchiver simplifies the process of extracting ARJ files and ensures compatibility with various archiving formats.

Regularly updating The Unarchiver will ensure that you have the latest features and improvements, as well as compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and other archive formats.

Now that you know how to use The Unarchiver to open ARJ files on Mac, let’s move on to explore another option: using Zipeg (for Mac users).

Option 14: Using Zipeg (for Mac users)

For Mac users looking to open ARJ files, a reliable option is to use Zipeg. Zipeg is a free and user-friendly software program designed specifically for Mac operating systems to handle various archive formats, including ARJ. To open an ARJ file on your Mac using Zipeg, you can follow these steps:

1. Download and install Zipeg from the official website or the Mac App Store.
2. Locate the ARJ file you want to open.
3. Right-click on the ARJ file to open the context menu.
4. In the context menu, hover over the “Open With” option.
5. Select “Zipeg” from the sub-menu.
6. Zipeg will then extract the contents of the ARJ file to the specified location or the same folder as the ARJ file itself.
7. Once the extraction is complete, you can access the extracted files and folders in the destination folder.

Zipeg provides a straightforward and intuitive way to open ARJ files on Mac. It offers a clean user interface and allows for quick extraction of files and folders from ARJ archives.

In addition to handling ARJ files, Zipeg supports a variety of other archive formats, making it a versatile tool for managing compressed files on your Mac.

Regular updates to Zipeg ensure compatibility with the latest ARJ file formats and provide any new features or improvements to enhance the extraction process.

Now that you know how to use Zipeg to open ARJ files on your Mac, you can easily access and extract the contents of ARJ archives.