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. This can be disadvantageous when sending important 7z files as your recipient might not be able to open it. This is especially helpful when transferring or downloading larger folders and files.ħz is also an open-source format with an open architecture that allows any compression, conversion and encryption method to be used as you please.Įven though 7z has some advantages to a ZIP file, it’s not as compatible and will require 3rd party programs in order to use. One benefit of using the 7z file extension is that it can split larger files into several smaller parts. But while the 7z file format boasts a slightly better compression than a ZIP file, it does not feature the same compatibility. To truly understand what the 7z file format is, you could compare it in many ways to a ZIP file.

It’s similar to a ZIP file but uses a different lossless compression method called LZMA to reduce file size while preserving quality.

The 7z file extension is a compressed archive format created with 7-zip open-source software.

7z file converter