How to Handle Archives on Linux in 2026 (Like WinZip)
Updated
If you're used to WinZip or WinAce on Windows, handling .zip, .rar, or .7z files on Linux might seem unfamiliar at first. The good news: Linux has solid built-in tools and apps that do everything those old tools did — and more — without extra cost or bloat.
You don’t need WinZip on Linux. Most archive operations are handled out of the box, and the apps available are lightweight, open-source, and well-maintained. Whether you prefer clicking through a GUI or typing commands, Linux has you covered.
Use File Roller for basic archive tasks
File RollerOpen sourceFreeFlatpakDetails → File Roller is GNOME's default archive manager, included with many Linux distributions. It handles .zip, .tar, .gz, and .bz2 files right out of the box. Just double-click any archive in your file manager to open and extract files.
It integrates cleanly with Nautilus and other GNOME-based file managers, letting you create password-protected .zip files and preview contents before extracting. If you're on a GNOME-based system like Ubuntu, you're probably already using it without knowing.
Try Ark if you use KDE
ArkOpen sourceFreeFlatpakDetails → Ark is KDE's built-in archive tool, designed to work seamlessly with the Plasma desktop. It supports the same formats as File Roller — including .zip, .tar, and .7z — and adds integration with Dolphin, KDE's file manager.
Ark also lets you browse inside archives like a folder and includes a built-in terminal for quick command-line access. If you're running Kubuntu or another KDE-focused distro, Ark is likely already installed.
PeaZip for advanced format support
PeaZipOpen sourceFreeFlatpakDetails → PeaZip supports over 200 archive formats, including .rar, .ace, .arj, and .lzh — the kinds of files WinAce used to handle. It's especially useful if you regularly receive obscure or legacy archives from Windows users.
It's available as a Flatpak and runs the same on any desktop environment. PeaZip also includes a secure file deletion tool and strong encryption options, making it a solid choice when you need more than basic extraction.
Use p7zip from the command line
P7ZIPOpen sourceFreeDetails → p7zip is the command-line version of 7-Zip, supporting .7z, .zip, .rar, and many other formats. Install it once, and you can extract almost any archive using simple commands like '7z x archive.zip'.
It doesn't have a GUI, but it's reliable and scriptable. If you're comfortable with the terminal or need to automate extraction tasks, p7zip is the most powerful tool on this list for handling tricky or password-protected archives.
Drag-and-drop works the same
Just like in WinZip, you can drag files into an open archive window to add them, or drag files out to extract. Both File Roller and PeaZip support this. The experience is nearly identical — just double-click the archive, and treat it like a folder.
If an archive format isn't supported by default (like .rar), installing p7zip or PeaZip adds that support system-wide. After that, your file manager will handle it natively.
Bottom line
For most users, File Roller or Ark is all you need — they're simple, pre-integrated, and handle common formats. If you deal with rare or password-protected archives, install PeaZip for broader support and extra features. p7zip is essential if you work in the terminal or need full 7-Zip compatibility.
Frequently asked questions
Can I open .rar files on Linux?
Yes. Install p7zip or PeaZip, and your system will handle .rar files just like .zip. File Roller can extract them if the right backend is installed.
Is there a Linux version of WinZip?
No, and you don't need one. Tools like File Roller, Ark, and PeaZip do the same job — often better — and are free.
How do I create a password-protected zip file?
In File Roller or PeaZip, create a new archive and set a password when prompted. Both support AES-256 encryption for .zip files.
Do I need to install anything for .zip files?
Usually not. Most Linux systems handle .zip files out of the box using File Roller or similar tools.