📦 PeaZip: Free Open-Source Archiver with 200+ Formats

PeaZip is a free, open-source cross-platform archiver supporting 200+ formats including RAR, ZIP, 7Z, and TAR. Packed with AES-256 encryption and a built-in file manager.

Manage archives with one click — safe, efficient, and powerful.

Have you ever been frustrated by the countless archive formats cluttering your computer? RAR, ZIP, 7Z, TAR… each format seems to demand its own tool. Today, I'm introducing a piece of software — PeaZip — that will彻底 eliminate that hassle for good. This completely free and open-source archiving tool supports over 200 archive formats, offering not only powerful functionality but also a secure and intuitive design, making it an ideal choice for both everyday use and professional work.

1. What Is PeaZip?

PeaZip is a cross-platform file compression and decompression utility that runs on Windows, Linux, and macOS. As a graphical front-end for the 7-Zip/p7zip archiver, it integrates multiple open-source compression technologies into one unified, polished interface.

Unlike other archiving tools, PeaZip is entirely open-source and free (released under the LGPLv3 license), with no adware or malware whatsoever. It can even be used in commercial environments without worrying about licensing issues.

2. Key Features

2.1 Extensive Format Support

PeaZip's biggest strength is its remarkable format compatibility, supporting over 200 archive formats, including:

• Common formats: 7Z, ACE, ARC, BZ2, CAB, GZ, ISO, PAQ, PEA, RAR, TAR, WIM, ZIP, ZIPX, and more.
• Split archives: Handles cross-volume archive files such as .001, .r01, .z01, and similar.
• Virtual disc images: Supports disc image formats like ISO and UDF.

This means you barely need any other decompression tool — truly achieving the goal of "one software for all your archiving needs."

2.2 Powerful Compression and Encryption

PeaZip isn't just great at extracting — its compression capabilities are equally impressive:

• High compression ratio: Supports multiple compression algorithms to effectively reduce file sizes.
• Split archives: Splits large files into smaller chunks for easier transfer and storage.
• Strong encryption: Offers AES-256, Twofish, and Serpent encryption algorithms to keep your files secure.
• Two-factor authentication: Supports both passwords and keyfiles for an extra layer of security.

2.3 Built-in File Manager

PeaZip isn't merely an archiving tool — it's also a fully featured file manager:

• Browse, copy, move, and delete files directly within the application.
• Preview archive contents without extracting them.
• Includes file search and duplicate file finder functionality.

2.4 Security and Privacy

PeaZip places special emphasis on user security and privacy:

• Secure deletion: Permanently wipes files, reducing the risk of accidental data leaks.
• File hashing: Supports MD5, SHA1, SHA256, and more to verify file integrity and security.
• Encrypted password manager: Helps you securely manage passwords for all your archives.

2.5 Automation and Cross-Platform Support

• Scripting: Export tasks as console scripts for automated processing.
• Cross-platform consistency: Delivers the same experience on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
• Portable build: A portable version is available that can run straight from a USB drive.

3. Usage Guide

3.1 Compressing Files

• Open PeaZip and click the "Add" button (the icon with a plus sign) in the toolbar.
• Select the files or folders you want to compress (you can also drag and drop them directly into the window).
• In the popup window, configure the archive format (such as ZIP or RAR) and other parameters.
• For encryption, check the "Encrypt" option and set a password.
• Click the "Add" button to complete the compression.

3.2 Extracting Files

• Locate the archive you want to extract in PeaZip.
• Select the files you need and specify the destination path.
• Click the "Extract" button to begin extraction.

3.3 Creating Split Archives for Large Files

• In the compression window, check the "Split" option.
• Set the split size (e.g., entering "100M" creates 100 MB volumes).
• Click "Add" to start the split compression.

3.4 Converting Archive Formats

• Open the archive you want to convert.
• Click the "Convert" button.
• Choose the target format and configure the parameters.
• Confirm to start the conversion.

4. Comparison with Similar Tools

To better illustrate PeaZip's advantages, here's how it stacks up against several mainstream archiving tools:

As the comparison shows, PeaZip clearly stands out in format support, cross-platform capabilities, and extra features — and its completely free and open-source nature makes it the best value for money.

5. Tips and Recommendations

5.1 Interface Customization

PeaZip 10.3.0 introduced four preset interface styles:

• Minimal: A clean design for users who prefer simplicity.
• Classic: A traditional layout that preserves classic workflows.
• Modern: A contemporary interface with refined visuals.
• Postmodern: An innovative layout that offers a unique feel.

You can switch between styles in one click via the Options → Style submenu.

5.2 Productivity Tips

• Context menu integration: After installation, right-click any file or folder in your file explorer to compress or extract on the spot.
• Drag and drop: Drag files directly into the PeaZip window to compress or extract them.
• Batch processing: Select multiple files or folders at once for bulk compression.
• Password management: Use the built-in encrypted password manager to save frequently used passwords.

5.3 Security Recommendations

• For sensitive data, use the AES-256 encryption algorithm.
• Protect important files with two-factor authentication (password + keyfile).
• When permanently removing sensitive files, use the Secure Delete feature to prevent recovery.

6. Download and Installation

6.1 Download Options

PeaZip offers a variety of installer formats to suit different needs:

• Windows: Standard installer (EXE), portable version (ZIP), and MSIX app package.
• Linux: DEB and RPM packages, plus GTK2 and Qt6 interface builds.
• macOS: DMG installers for both ARM and x86 architectures.
• Portable: Plug-and-play versions for Windows, Linux, and BSD.

6.2 Installation Steps

• Download: Grab the appropriate installer from the official PeaZip website (https://peazip.github.io/).
• Run the installer: Double-click the downloaded file and follow the prompts.

• Switch to the Chinese interface (optional):

  • Click Options at the top.
  • Choose Localization.
  • Locate chs.txt (Simplified Chinese) or cht.txt (Traditional Chinese) and click Open legacy file.
  • The app will restart automatically in the selected language.
• File associations: During installation, choose which archive formats to associate with PeaZip for double-click opening.

6.3 Notes

• The installer may prompt you to install certain codec packages — it's recommended to keep the default selections for best compatibility.
• If certain file types aren't associated after installation, you can manually add them in the settings.
• The portable version requires no installation — just extract and run, perfect for carrying on a USB drive.

Conclusion

PeaZip is a feature-rich, secure, and completely free archiving solution suitable for both casual users and professionals. Its cross-platform capabilities and extensive format support make it one of the best archiving tools available today.

If you're looking for a replacement for WinRAR, WinZip, or 7-Zip, PeaZip is absolutely worth trying. Its open-source nature means it will never suddenly start charging you, and it contains no malware or ads — giving you complete peace of mind.

Give PeaZip a try and experience an efficient, secure, and free archiving and file management solution!

• Official website: https://peazip.github.io/
• Project repository: https://github.com/peazip/PeaZip
• Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, macOS

Note: This is the English translation of the original Chinese version.