FileopiaExtract TAR files online
Open TAR archives online and download the files inside – free, no upload, no software to install. Works on Windows, Mac, Chromebook, Android and iPhone.
- Upload
- Options
- Download
- ✓ 100% free
- ✓ No sign-up
- ✓ No limits
- 🔒 Files never leave your device
How to: TAR Extractor
- Choose the .tar file you want to open.
- Wait a moment while the archive is read on your device.
- Click Start, then download single files or everything as a ZIP.
TAR (tape archive) is the classic Unix bundle format that groups files and folders without compressing them; it is how Linux, macOS and developer tools ship source code and backups. Windows, iPhone and Chromebook can’t always open it out of the box, and many “free” unzip sites make you upload your files to a server. Fileopia opens it right inside your browser tab – the files are listed with sizes, and you can save any one of them or everything as a single ZIP.
Common uses
- Open a TAR you received by email or downloaded, on a computer where you can’t install software.
- Pull a single document out of a large backup without unpacking everything.
- Unpack archives on a Chromebook, iPad or phone.
- Convert the contents into a regular ZIP that every device opens.
Tips for best results
- Download everything as ZIP to repack the content in the most compatible format.
- Only open archives from sources you trust – extracting is safe, but running unknown programs inside them is not.
- For multi-part archives, join the parts on a desktop with 7-Zip first.
- Need to make an archive? Use Create TAR.GZ or Create ZIP.
What is inside a TAR
An archive stores many files and folders as one, usually compressed. Fileopia reads the directory, decompresses each entry in a background worker so the page stays responsive, and shows a list with full paths. Nothing runs from inside the archive – files are only offered as downloads.
Under the hood
Extraction uses libarchive – the same open-source BSD-licensed library behind the tar command on macOS and FreeBSD – compiled to WebAssembly (about 1 MB, loaded only when you press Start so the page itself stays instant).
Compared with other options
Desktop tools like 7-Zip and WinRAR are excellent but need installing (and WinRAR nags for a licence). Upload sites such as ezyZip or extract.me either upload your file or show ads and limits. Here nothing is uploaded, there are no limits and no sign-up.
Why use Fileopia for TAR Extractor?
| Fileopia | Typical upload-based sites | |
|---|---|---|
| Files uploaded to a server | No – processed on your device | Yes |
| Sign-up required | Never | Often for bigger jobs |
| Hourly / daily task limits | None | Common on free plans |
| Watermark on output | Never | Sometimes |
| Works offline after loading | Yes, for most tools | No |
Your files never leave your device
TAR Extractor runs entirely in your browser using JavaScript and WebAssembly. Your files are read from your disk into this tab, processed in memory and saved straight back to your downloads folder – they are never uploaded to Fileopia or any third party.
- Test it yourself: once this page has loaded, switch off Wi‑Fi or mobile data and run the tool – it keeps working.
- Check the network: open your browser’s developer tools (F12 → Network) while processing; you will see no file upload requests.
- Nothing to delete: close the tab and the data is gone – there is no server copy, no retention period and no account.
Frequently asked questions
How do I open a TAR file without software?
Drop it on this page and press Start. Fileopia unpacks the archive in your browser with a WebAssembly build of libarchive – no WinRAR, 7-Zip or app install needed.
Is my archive uploaded?
No. The archive is read and unpacked entirely on your device, so private documents and backups never leave it.
What is supported?
Supported: plain .tar files in ustar, pax and GNU formats, with folders and long file names.
Can I open password-protected archives?
Not yet. Encrypted RAR and 7Z archives need a desktop tool such as 7-Zip; unencrypted archives open here instantly.
Does it work on iPhone and Chromebook?
Yes. Any modern browser works, which makes it handy on Chromebooks and iPads where archive apps are limited.
Is there a size limit?
No artificial limit. Archives up to about 1–2 GB work on a laptop; phones are limited by memory.
Why is a file missing?
Empty folders are not listed and macOS metadata (__MACOSX, ._ files) is kept as-is. If an entry fails to decompress the archive may be damaged or a split volume.
Can I preview files?
Click any file in the list to download it; images and PDFs open directly in your browser.
Is TAR Extractor really free?
Yes. Every tool on Fileopia is 100% free with no file limits, no sign-up and no watermarks. The site is supported by unobtrusive ads.
Are my files uploaded to a server?
No. Fileopia processes your files directly in your browser using JavaScript. Your documents never leave your device, so they stay completely private.
Does it work on mobile?
Yes. Fileopia works in any modern browser on Android, iPhone, iPad, Windows, Mac and Linux.