How To Unzip Files in Linux - 8 Easy Methods

Don’t know how to unzip files in Linux? For this, you can use:

• unzip
• tar
• gzip
• gunzip
• xz
• bunzip2
• 7z
• GUI.

1. Using the unzip Command

In Linux, the unzip command extracts files from a compressed ZIP archive and then restores them to their original directory structure and format.

Simply press CTRL+ALT+T to open your terminal, type “unzip filename.zip“, and hit Enter.

In my case, the unzip command extracts the “file1.zip” archive.

2. Using the tar Command

tar archives and bundles multiple directories and files into a single file. Additionally, this command is used to facilitate distribution, efficient storage, and backup operation.

To unzip a file with the tar command, I’ll type “tar filename.tar.xz“.

3. Using the gzip Command

gzip uses the GNU zip algorithm to compress files, reduce their sizes, and create a compressed file with the “.gz” extension. Moreover, you can also execute it to unzip files on your system.

To do so, I’ll run the “gzip -d filename.gz” command.

4. Using the gunzip Command

Likewise, the gunzip command is also used for decompressing the files compressed with gzip. More specifically, it restores them to their original state.

For this purpose, I’ll type the “gunzip filename” command and hit Enter.

5. Using the xz Command

xz uses the LZMA compression algorithm to compress files. However, adding the “-d” option forces xz to unzip or decompress the given file.

Now, I’ll execute “xz -d filename.xz” on my terminal.

6. Using the bunzip2 Command

The bunzip2 utility is used to decompress the files compressed with bzip2. Consequently, it returns them to their original format.

Below, I’ll run the “bunzip2 filename.bz2” command.

7. Using the 7z Command

7z extracts files from the compressed 7z archives. Moreover, it offers different encryption options and also supports several compression methods.

To unzip a file ending with the “.7z” extension, I’ll type in “7z e filename.7z“.

8. Using the GUI

You can also use the GUI or Graphical User Interface to unzip files with ease.

For instance, to unzip my “testfile.zip“, I’ll right-click on it, and select the “Extract to…” option from the context menu.

Then, I’ll browse for the desired Destination where I need to save the extracted version and click “Select“.

As a result, the desired folder now contains the extracted “testfile” version.

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• Linux Remove User From Group
• How To Delete a User in Linux
• Move Directory Linux

So, now you know how to unzip files in Linux. Feel free to share your feedback in the comments below!