7-ZIP command line tool version, 7z.exe, allows you to execute commands using the system terminal. 7-Zip is a powerful, open-source, and user-friendly program that offers support for most file archives like 7z, ZIP, RAR, TAR, and GZIp, among others. These characteristics make 7-Zip easy to download and be used for personal or commercial purposes.
By using the command-line version, you can access all features from the terminal even without a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Before we discuss any further about the different commands for 7-Zip, check out 7-Zip for more of our helpful guides.
Which is the best tool, 7-Zip vs WinRAR? Is 7Zip safe? These are some of the questions that you should also clarify before learning how to use 7Zip. You also need to understand the issues with 7-Zip cannot open file as archive that the tool sometimes experiences.
7-Zip can be used to compress, extract, test run-list, add, and update archive files. The 7z.exe version works with Windows, while 7-Zip is the command-line version for Linux, Mac OS X, and UNIX. The 7z format has several main features that include open architecture, high ratio, and secure AES – 256 encryption options. This software lets you use any compression or encryption method. The format supports file sizes of up to 16000000GB and Unicode file names. In the next section, we’ll be showing you some of the common commands that are used with this software.
Contents
7-Zip is a very popular archive manager that supports most of the popular compression formats. 7-Zip for Mac has not been developed by Igor Pavlov, yet. Anyway, if you were looking for 7-Zip for Mac and didn't manage to find it, there's no need to get upset, as there are some nice alternatives on the market, and you may find some of the best here. 7z extractor mac free download - 7z Extractor, Quick 7z Extractor, Lite 7z zip & 7z File Extractor, and many more programs.
- 9 Switches
- 9.1 Frequently Asked Questions
Command Examples for Windows
The 7-Zip command-line executable file is the 7za.exe. You can use the EXE file to run commands on archives. In our examples, we’ll be using “C:UsersName” as our user directory. Below is a step-by-step guide to getting you started on the command line:
- Before proceeding to other commands, one helpful tip is to place 7za.exe in your directory. This will give you convenience since you won’t have to change the environment paths.
- Launch the Windows console and test the 7za.exe program out using a few commands
- Type in the exe name, 7za, to display the file details
On the command line, the default command and output looks like this:
7za <command> [<switches>…] <archive_name>
[<file_names>…]
[<@listfiles…>]
Before we proceed with our examples, check out other guides, and reviews on our website. You might be interested in our 7-Zip vs WinRAR review and our 7-Zip password protect guide.
Function Letter Command
In this section, we’re going walk you through function letter commands. Because they are only single letters, they are quite easy to memorize.
Aside from looking for the details about 7-Zip download for PC or for Linux, it is important to have idea about archive error. Because the command line is useless if you don’t know how to fix 7-Zip cannot open file.
Archive and Add to ZIP
The function letter a command is used to put data in the archives. This “a” command stands for “archive” or “add.” To do this successfully, you must specify the archive location and the source files. Using the command will look like this on the terminal line:
C:UsersName>7za a -t7z files.7z *.txt
7-Zip (A) 4.60 beta Copyright (c) 1999-2008 Igor Pavlov 2008-08-19
Scanning
Creating archive files.7z
Compressing fileA.txt
Compressing fileB.txt
Everything is Ok
C:UsersName>
Delete
The function letter d command is used for removing a particular file or files from an archive. This “d” command stands for delete. Using the command will look like this on the terminal line:
7z d example.zip *.bak -r
Let’s break down the command so you won’t get confused. The command stands for the following:
7z: use the executable file
d: delete files
example.zip: delete from this archive
*.bak: only match bak files
-r: traverse all subdirectories
Extract and Enlarge
The function letter e command is useful when there is no substantial archive. The “e” command stands for extract to unzip or enlarge and archive. Using the command will look like this on the terminal line:
7z e example.zip
Again, let’s break it down to help you understand. In this command, we see the following words/commands:
7z: use the executable file
e: use the extract command
example.zip: the source archive you are expanding
Meanwhile, the function letter x command works the same way with e. The difference is it preserves the full paths. This is useful if you have an elaborate or important directory structure. Also, this is useful for backups. Using the command on the terminal looks like this:
7z x example.zip
In this command, we see the following words/commands:
7z: use the executable file
x: use the extract command
example.zip: the archive where you want to extract all the files from
List
This function letter lowercase L command is used to list the archive contents. The “l” command stands for list. However, you may not need to use this command it often. Using the command on the terminal looks like this:
C:UsersName>7za l files.7z
Test
This function letter t command is used to test the integrity of archives. The “t” command stands for test. However, this is much less useful than the “-t” switch. Using the command on the terminal looks like this:
7z t example.zip *doc -r
In this command, we see the following words/commands:
7z: use the executable file
t: test the specific archive
example.zip: the archive to be tested
*.doc: test all the doc files in the archive
-r: recurse all the child directories
Update
This function letter u command is used to replace old files in your archive with newer files. The “u” command stands for update. This command prevents needing to decompress and recompress the entire archive. This command will not work with solid archives. Using the command on the terminal looks like this:
7z u example.zip *.doc
We see the following words/commands:
7z: use the executable file
u: update command
example.zip: the archive you want to update files in
*.doc: only update the doc files
7z Zip For Mac
Switches
Another command that we see on the command line is the switch. The switch is composed of a switch specifier and the name of the switch. The specifier is either a dash (-) or a forward slash (/). Switches often look like this:
Below is a list of common switches:
Frequently Asked Questions
📡 How to use the 7-Zip command line?Launch window and run the version of 7-Zip you are using by entering “7z” for P7Zip (7z.exe), or “7za” for 7-Zip in Windows (7za.exe) to either run the P7-Zip or 7za application before you enter commands. After that, you can use any of the commands listed above. Make sure that you’re following the syntax when typing in your commands.
💡 How to extract with 7-Zip command line?You can use the e or x commands to extract ZIP files.
📁 How to create a 7-Zip file command line?Use the “a” command to create a new archive file which can end in 7z, XZ, GZIP, TAR, ZIP, and many more.
📦 How to zip a file using 7-Zip command line?Use the “a” command to add files to the ZIP file.
7-Zip Command Line: Conclusion
Even without a GUI, you can use all the features of 7Zip on the command line. Just as long as you familiarize yourself with some of the commands, you’ll get better with practice. Did we miss any commands on our list? Let us know by leaving us a message in the comment section below.
7zip command lineCompressing is one of the most used features in a PC, nevertheless, it comes handy ass well. We all need to send and receive large files and sometimes those files become too big to fit in the email attachment. Arguably online storage like Dropbox still cannot replace writing better emails for sharing personal files. In this scenario, Compression comes to the rescue – it helps to lower down the file size without the risk of losing data.
There are tons of tools available for compression in which 7-Zip is leading the charts with few other compression tools. What we like about 7-Zip is its capability of compressing gigantic files (up to 16 billion gigabytes). Furthermore, it boasts higher compression rates when compared to most of its rivals. Despite having the set of features which an ideal compression tool should have, it is free!
As everything comes with alternatives, 7-Zip has some good alternatives which are even better. This article will guide you through the list of best 7-Zip alternatives for Windows and Mac. Most of these tools will provide you similar features to 7-Zip. So let get started.
Contents1 7 Best 7-Zip Alternatives 20187z Zip For Mac Osx
7 Best 7-Zip Alternatives 2018
1. WinZip
One of the most popular compression tools ever, Winzip makes sure that you get a seamless file compression experience. You might be thinking why shift to Winzip when 7-Zip and other compression tools are available for free? It is a venerable file compression tool that has 21 version updates and is constantly improving. It packs with so many features that it’s worth every single penny you spend on purchasing its license.
Apart from providing support for archive types like ZIP, Zipx, 7z, tar, gz, gzip, Vhd, XZ, RAR (extraction only), Winzip allows integration with various programs including Microsoft Office. Not only this, Winzip boasts more features like splitting of large files, cloud support, advanced file sharing, and a zip management system to rival Windows Explorer. Furthermore, Winzip understands the importance of a user’s data and offers backup and security options to protect your files.
2. WinRar
Being as famous as WinZip in major areas, WinRar built a good name in the category with its exclusive RAR format which can create extreme compressions. Almost all of the major compression tools can extract RAR format but only WinRar has the privilege to create them.
Obviously, WinRar is not only limited to RAR format – you can create and expand archives in different formats as well. The interface of WinRar might not excite you much, but you will later find this tool loaded with features. The tool comes with a trial as well, so that you can be sure that if this tool works well for you.
The most amazing feature about WinRar is definitely the full RAR support but it got many more useful features like self-extracting archive, encryption, and themes. This tool also wins heart when we talk about its availability on any imaginable platform. The RAR lab has done a tremendous job by developing this tool and we suppose that it will suit all of your compression and extraction needs.
3. B1 Free Archiver
B1 Free Archiver is another useful compression tool with a pretty clean user interface. This archive tool does its job really well and on the top of it – it’s free! But don’t underestimate it, this tool can do wonders in archiving solutions and gives a tough competition to its paid rivals.
This free tool supports multiple archive formats including b1, 7z, zip, rar, xpi, jar, txz, arj and more. Expecting more? You can download B1 archiver to your desktop to compress/decompress archives or you can use the online tool to compress/decompress files without downloading the software. The online archiver comes really handy when you are not allowed to download external software in places like Office or College.
Being a completely free tool, B1 free archiver comes with adware but you can avoid it by denying offers in the installation. So, if you want a tool to satisfy your basic and normal archive solutions then you definitely need to try out B1 Free Archiver.
4. PeaZip
PeaZip is an open-source archive tool and it claims that it can deal with 150 different formats of compressed files. It comes with a portable version that doesn’t require any installation. PeaZip might not please you much in the appearance department but it does compensate it with appealing features.
PeaZip proudly boasts its Random Password Generator feature which allows you to generate random strings in password with just a single click, all you need to specify is its characters count. You can click the generate button again to generate another random password – in case you didn’t like the older one. Hence, PeaZip’s strong encryption makes sure that the file becomes secure against prying eyes.
With PeaZip, you can work on multiple files at the same time and choose specific ones to extract in a defined directory. It supports most of the formats including zip, rar, tar, 7z, xz, bz2, gz and more. So if you are looking for a powerful alternative to 7zip with identical features then PeaZip would do the work.
5. ExtractNow
ExtractNow is a free tool with a very simple interface and it does its task with minimum user interaction. As you might have guessed by now, this tool is limited to extraction and doesn’t archive files. But its ability to extract multiple files easy makes it a good pick.
ExtractNow developer team has limited its focus to the extraction department and made it sure that it becomes the best unpacking tool. The tool application is pretty simple, just drag and drop archives on the ExtractNow window and click “Extract” to unpack them all at once.
The application has got the best lightweight options and a simple interface but supports all of the popular archive formats. So, if you are not much into compressing files then ExtractNow can be a good choice.
6. Hamster Free Zip Archiver
Hamster Free Zip Archiver is again another free tool having a simple user interface but can do wonders in compression. The main highlight of this tool is its compression method which delivers amazing compression ratio yet 2 times faster. The compression level selection is at your disposal and you can further encrypt the files with password for added protection.
It supports all of the major archive formats like rar, zip, 7z, tar, gz, xz and even more. Further, you can integrate this tool with the cloud to store as well as share selected files on the internet. Being a free tool, Hamster Free Zip Archivers offers adware during the installation, you can deny them if you don’t want.
7. jZip
If you are using jZip, then you might not miss the compression ratio results given by 7zip. This tool uses reliable 7-Zip archiving technology which makes sure that your files go through the fast and reliable compression process. jZip features an elegant yet powerful and easy to use interface making it perfect for a novice.
It supports all of the popular formats including zip, tar, gzip, 7z, rar and more. Coming to the customizability category, jZip doesn’t offer any customizations – all you would get is options to compress and extract.
This tool is perfect for beginners as unlike 7zip you won’t see many options and confuse. However, jZip offers you to install external applications (Adware) like Ask toolbar, you may decline those installations and install jZip as the solo.
Conclusion
7Zip is a powerful archiving tool and is used and trusted by millions of people but we cannot deny that there are other deserving alternatives as well. We built up this list of 7 best alternative to 7zip and included some really good tools so that you don’t miss 7Zip after shifting to them.
We have chosen 7 best alternatives and mentioned their highlights so that you can choose one according to your needs. We are sure that this article has definitely helped you to choose the best alternative to 7Zip.
Still got questions? Have some thoughts in mind? Speak up in the comments section below.