How to unzip rar file on Ubuntu 18.04

Understanding RAR Files

RAR files, or Roshal Archive files, are widely used for packaging and compressing data efficiently. This proprietary format is particularly popular among users who need to compress files to save space or group multiple files for easier distribution. While RAR files are common on Windows systems, Linux users, such as those on Ubuntu 18.04, may find themselves needing to extract these files occasionally.

This guide will walk you through the various methods to unzip RAR files on Ubuntu 18.04, making it easier for you to access your compressed data.

Prerequisites for Unzipping RAR Files on Ubuntu

Before diving into the extraction process, it’s essential to ensure you have the necessary tools installed on your system. While Ubuntu comes with several built-in archive utilities, RAR files require specific software to handle their extraction due to the proprietary nature of the format.

Installing Required Packages

On Ubuntu 18.04, you can use two primary packages to work with RAR files: unrar and rar.

To install unrar, follow these steps:

1. Open your terminal. You can do this by searching for “Terminal” in the applications menu or pressing Ctrl + Alt + T.

2. Update the package list to ensure you have the latest repository information by running:
   bash
   sudo apt update

3. Install unrar by typing:
   bash
   sudo apt install unrar

This simple command fetches the unrar package from Ubuntu’s repositories and installs it on your machine.

Additional Options

If you prefer, you could also install rar, which provides additional functionalities, including the ability to create RAR archives. To install it, use:
bash
sudo apt install rar

Extracting RAR Files Using the command line

Once you have installed unrar, you can proceed to unzip your RAR files using the terminal. Here’s a step-by-step guide to extracting a RAR file:

Step 1: Navigate to the File Location

Use the cd command to change the directory to where your RAR file is located. For example, if your RAR file is in the “Downloads” folder, type:
bash
cd ~/Downloads

Step 2: Extract the RAR File

To extract the contents of the RAR file, use the following command:
bash
unrar x yourfile.rar

Replace yourfile.rar with the actual name of your file.

Step 3: Accessing Extracted Files

Once the extraction process is complete, you will find the files in the same directory as the original RAR file. It’s important to note that the x command preserves the directory structure within the RAR file, ensuring that folders and files are organized just as they were originally.

Graphical user interface (GUI) Methods to Unzip RAR Files

If you prefer a more visual approach to file management, several software options allow you to manage and extract RAR files using a graphical interface. Here are a couple of popular choices:

1. File Roller (Archive Manager)

File Roller is the default archive manager on Ubuntu, and it supports RAR files when unrar is installed. Here’s how to use it:

• Open File Roller: You can find it by searching for “Archive Manager” in your applications menu.
• Open the RAR File: Click on “Open” in the File Roller interface and browse to select your RAR file.
• Extract the Files: Click on “Extract” and choose the destination folder where you want the files to be saved.

2. PeaZip

PeaZip is a free archiver tool that offers comprehensive support for various archive formats, including RAR. To install it:

1. Download PeaZip from their official website.
2. Extract the downloaded file and run the .AppImage file to launch PeaZip.
3. Use the application to browse, extract, or create archives.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

While extracting RAR files usually goes smoothly, you might encounter some common issues. Here are some troubleshooting tips for resolving them:

Error: ‘Unrar: command not found’

• This typically means that unrar is not installed. Ensure that you have followed the installation steps correctly.

File Extraction Errors

• If the RAR file is corrupted or damaged, you may see errors during extraction. In this case, try re-downloading the file or using file recovery tools.

Unsupported RAR Version

• Some RAR files are created with newer compression methods that might not be supported by older versions of unrar. In such cases, consider using the latest version of the software.

Comparison: RAR vs. ZIP Files

For users coming to Linux from a Windows background, it’s common to draw comparisons between RAR and ZIP files. Here are some distinguishing factors:

Understanding these differences can help you choose the best format for your needs when compressing or managing files.

Best Practices for Managing RAR Files on Ubuntu

To ensure seamless operation and minimized issues while working with RAR files, consider these best practices:

1. Always Backup Important Files: Before extracting or modifying any files, back them up to prevent data loss.
2. Keep Your Software Updated: Regularly updating unrar and similar packages ensures compatibility with the latest file compression methods.
3. Use Reliable Sources for Downloads: Always download RAR files from trusted sources to minimize risks of corruption or malware.

Conclusion

Unzipping RAR files on Ubuntu 18.04 can be a straightforward task when equipped with the right tools and knowledge. Whether you prefer using command-line methods or graphical interfaces, the options available are manageable for any level of user. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can efficiently access your RAR files and keep your workflow efficient.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I create RAR files on Ubuntu?
A1: Yes, you can create RAR files by installing the rar package. After installation, you can use the command rar a newfile.rar file1 file2 to create a new RAR archive.

Q2: Is unrar free to use?
A2: Yes, the unrar command-line tool is free to use for extracting RAR files. However, the RAR format itself is proprietary, so there might be limitations on creating RAR files without purchasing a license.

Q3: Are there any GUI applications that can handle RAR files?
A3: Yes, applications like File Roller (Archive Manager) and PeaZip support RAR files and offer easy-to-use graphic interfaces for file extraction.

Q4: What do I do if my RAR file is password protected?
A4: If your RAR file is password protected, you can use unrar by specifying the password with the command unrar x -pYOURPASSWORD yourfile.rar. Replace YOURPASSWORD with the actual password.

Q5: What if my RAR file is corrupted?
A5: If you encounter errors during extraction, try downloading the file again. Alternatively, some tools can attempt to repair the corrupted RAR file.

By becoming familiar with these processes and best practices, you can ensure a smooth experience when handling RAR files on your Ubuntu system.