Archive formats are used by millions of individuals all around the globe, primarily since they facilitate users of multiple platforms to shrink files and store them in a compressed manner. This process of shrinking or compressing benefits the users in two ways. Firstly, thanks to its reduced size, users are able to store it online or locally conveniently. Secondly, since compressed files have a reduced file size, it becomes easier for individuals to share them with others over different platforms.
There are multiple archive formats readily available, and the ZIP format is perhaps the most well-known one of all. However, another similar file archive format that offers top-notch features is GZIP. This article will cover what GZIP is and how users can conveniently open GZIP files on different operating systems, such as macOS, Windows, and Linux. Let us dive right into it:
What is a GZIP or GZ File?
According to File Format, A GZIP or GZ file is a compressed archive file that systems create using the generic GNU zip compression algorithm. A GZ file usually comprises multiple compressed files, directories, and other shreds of data of the compressed files. Initially developed as a replacement for compression formats on UNIX-based systems, the GZ format is currently one of the variants of compression format on Linux systems. It is a versatile file format that is supported on all major operating systems, including the likes of Windows and macOS.
How to Open or Unzip GZIP Files:
The lesser-known GZ archive format is compatible with all major platforms, and each supported platform offers users the option to access GZIP files in more ways than one. Here is a detailed look at how macOS, Windows, and Linux users can conveniently access GZIP files on their respective systems:
macOS:
If you are a macOS and are searching for ways to unzip or unpack GZ file Mac, here are some of the most effective methods you can follow:
Using Archive – macOS’ native archive application called Archive is a great tool using which Mac owners can unzip GZ files without hassle. All they need to do to open a GZ file on their Mac is double-click on the file with the .gz extension or right-click on the file and select the “Open With” option present in the drop-down menu and click on “Archive Utility.”
Using Terminal – Users who have a strong hold over commands can use the macOS’ Terminal application to unzip a GZ file. To extract the contents of a GZ file using Terminal, users need to open a Terminal window and type “gzip -d file.gz” ( file.gz is the location of the file the user wishes to open.
Besides the aforementioned methods, macOS users can also opt to open GZ files using third-party applications like Archiver or BetterZip. \
Windows:
If you are a Windows user and wish to open a GZ file, here are some of the most effective methods you can follow:
Using Command Prompt – similar to macOS’ Terminal utility, Windows users can extract a GZ file using Command Prompt. To extract a file using Command Prompt, the user first needs to open the utility by navigating to the Start menu, search for the app, and click on the “Run as administrator” option. Then, they need to enter the following command “ tar -xvzf SOURCE -C DESTINATION,” where “SOURCE” will be replaced with the source GZ file and “DESTINATION” with the location where the user wishes to save the extracted files. To complete the process, users need to hit the Enter key.
Using Third-Party Decompression Tools – There are numerous third-party applications readily available that allow users to decompress GZ files without hassle. For example, 7-ZIP is a great free application that Windows users can opt for. All the user needs to do to extract files using 7-ZIP is open the tool, open its file manager, click on the “Extract” option, confirm the target location and click on the “OK” option.
Linux:
If you are a Linux user who wishes to decompress a GZ file on their system, there are numerous methods you can follow. However, one of the simplest and most-preferred methods of unzipping GZ files on Linux-based systems is using Terminal. With the help of a few simple commands, users can conveniently decompress a GZ archive. Here are the steps involved:
Step 1 – Open the Terminal application.
Step 2 – Input “gzip -dk SOURCE.GZ,” where “SOURCE” will get replaced by the location the GZ file is present.
Step 3 – After entering the complete command, press the Enter key.
Even though GZ files are not as well known as ZIP files, they have been popular among the masses for numerous decades. If you are unfamiliar with the archive format and wish to extract a GZ file on your system, you can conveniently do it by referring to the detailed steps mentioned above.
