7z
Technology & Computing abbreviation · File Format
| Stands for | 7-Zip archive |
|---|---|
| Categories | Technology & Computing |
7z stands for 7-Zip archive, a file format abbreviation.
Open archive format created by Igor Pavlov for the free 7-Zip program in 1999, offering high compression ratios through the LZMA and LZMA2 algorithms and strong AES-256 encryption, including optional encryption of file names.
Example: The 7z archive is half the size of the ZIP, but the recipient needs 7-Zip or a recent Windows to open it.
Usage notes
7-Zip is open-source software for Windows; ports and compatible tools exist for macOS and Linux, such as p7zip and Keka. The format suits large software distributions and backups where size matters. Windows 11 added native extraction of 7z files in 2023. Pronounced "seven-zee" or "seven-zip".
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