Open JAR files

  • Full name
    Compressed Archive Format Package For Java Classes And Data Format
  • Developer
    Oracle
  • Popularity
Have you encountered a problem with a JAR file? Don’t you know which program opens a file with this extension? You will find all the information you need about working with a JAR file here. In the further part of this page we have added a list of programs that should open your JAR file. It is enough you choose a proper application for your operating system, download and install it.

What is JAR file?

A JAR file is a Java archive file containing Java files and metadata. Jar files are archives packed with the ZIP algorithm, which are often used to distribute Java libraries or Java applications. By using it as a container for an application, of course, images, audio data, etc. can also be included in a JAR file.

More info

Java is a platform-independent programming language that only needs an installed Java Runtime Environment (JRE) to run a program. JAR applications can often be started simply by double-clicking or execute command.

Since JAR files are simple zip archives, the interested user can of course also unpack these files with an unpacker like Winzip or 7-Zip.

Programs which can open a JAR file

How to open file with JAR extension?

In order to open a file with JAR extension one of the following programs must be installed on user’s system. If a problem with opening JAR file occurred, it is highly possible that none of the listed programs is present on user’s system. Even if one or more said programs are installed, there may be issues related with given programs. In order to solve a problem with JAR files, follow the instructions below.
1
Install WinZip or other program from the list

Most often resolving problems with opening JAR files is very simple. Just install an appropriate program that supports such files. All of the listed programs support JAR files, but may vary in offered function and purpose. Some programs may be capable only of viewing contents of JAR files or offer file conversion options, but may not be capable of editing such files.

Set WinZip as the default program for opening JAR files

It is possible that although a compatible program has been installed on user’s system, it is not used by the system to open it. This may happen because no default application was associated with this type of files. To associate JAR files with given application, select "Open with" from drop-down menu (accessed by right-clicking on the file). Then select from the list the program or application you want to be used to open this type of file. If the WinZip applications is not on the list, select "Browse" option in order to manually locate the directory where WinZip has been installed.

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Check the section that lists most common problems with JAR files

Sometimes problems with opening JAR files may not lie with the application itself, but can arise due to other causes, such as:

  • File data is corrupted
  • JAR files has been not been completely download from the internet (only a part of the data has been downloaded)
  • Currently used user account hasn’t been granted necessary privileges to open JAR files (should that be the case, please contact your system administrator or IT specialist)
  • JAR file was being copied from a corrupted storage device and is incomplete or data is corrupted. (Copying files from unknown or untrusted sources should be conducted with great care as such files may contain malicious software, which can damage your system)

Possible conversions of JAR file

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