WinZip's 7z Opener Functionality

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The 7z file extension is a compressed archive format created with 7-zip open-source software. It’s similar to a ZIP file but uses a different lossless compression method called LZMA to reduce file size while preserving quality.

To truly understand what the 7z file format is, you could compare it in many ways to a ZIP file. But while the 7z file format boasts a slightly better compression than a ZIP file, it does not feature the same compatibility.

One benefit of using the 7z file extension is that it can split larger files into several smaller parts. This is especially helpful when transferring or downloading larger folders and files.

7z is also an open-source format with an open architecture that allows any compression, conversion and encryption method to be used as you please.

Even though 7z has some advantages to a ZIP file, it’s not as compatible and will require 3rd party programs in order to use. This can be disadvantageous when sending important 7z files as your recipient might not be able to open it.

Much like a ZIP file, the primary use for the 7z file extension is to efficiently compress files, which puts one or several files into one folder in a smaller size without losing data. While the compression is slightly better than a ZIP file, it’s not as widely supported and will often require 3rd party platforms to open and create 7z archives.

The 7z file format can be used for: