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Unterstützte Formate
Konvertieren Sie zwischen allen gängigen Dateiformaten in hoher Qualität
Gängige Formate
ZIP Archive - universal compression format developed by Phil Katz (1989) supporting multiple compression methods. Built into Windows, macOS, and Linux. Uses DEFLATE algorithm providing good compression (40-60% reduction) with fast processing. Supports file encryption, split archives, and compression levels. Maximum compatibility across all platforms and devices. Perfect for file sharing, email attachments, web downloads, and general-purpose compression. Industry standard with virtually universal software support including built-in OS tools, mobile apps, and command-line utilities.
RAR Archive - proprietary format by Eugene Roshal (1993) offering superior compression ratios (10-20% better than ZIP) through advanced algorithms. Popular on Windows with WinRAR software. Supports recovery records for damaged archive repair, solid compression for better ratios, strong AES encryption, and split archives up to 8 exabytes. Excellent for long-term storage, large file collections, and backup scenarios. Common in software distribution and file sharing communities. Requires WinRAR or compatible software (not built into most systems).
7-Zip Archive - open-source format by Igor Pavlov (1999) providing the best compression ratio available (20-40% better than ZIP, 10-15% better than RAR). Uses LZMA and LZMA2 algorithms with strong AES-256 encryption. Supports huge file sizes (16 exabytes), multiple compression methods, solid compression, and self-extracting archives. Free from licensing restrictions and patent concerns. Perfect for maximizing storage efficiency, software distribution, and backup archives where size matters. Requires 7-Zip or compatible software but offers exceptional space savings.
Unix Formats
TAR Archive - Tape Archive format from Unix (1979) bundling multiple files and directories into single file without compression. Preserves file permissions, ownership, timestamps, and symbolic links critical for Unix systems. Often combined with compression (TAR.GZ, TAR.BZ2, TAR.XZ) for efficient distribution. Standard format for Linux software packages, system backups, and cross-platform file transfer. Essential for maintaining Unix file attributes. Works with streaming operations enabling network transfers and piping. Foundation of Unix/Linux backup and distribution systems.
GZIP/TGZ - GNU zip compression format (1992) using DEFLATE algorithm, standard compression for Linux and Unix systems. TGZ is TAR archive compressed with GZIP. Fast compression and decompression with moderate ratios (50-70% reduction for text). Single-file compression commonly paired with TAR for multi-file archives. Universal on Unix/Linux systems with built-in 'gzip' command. Perfect for log files, text data, Linux software distribution, and web server compression. Streaming-friendly enabling on-the-fly compression. Industry standard for Unix file compression since the 1990s.
BZIP2/TBZ2 - block-sorting compression format by Julian Seward (1996) offering better compression than GZIP (10-15% smaller) at the cost of slower processing. TBZ2 is TAR archive compressed with BZIP2. Uses Burrows-Wheeler transform achieving excellent ratios on text and source code. Popular for software distribution where size matters more than speed. Common in Linux package repositories and source code archives. Ideal for archival storage, software releases, and situations prioritizing compression over speed. Standard tool on most Unix/Linux systems.
XZ/TXZ - modern compression format (2009) using LZMA2 algorithm providing excellent compression ratios approaching 7Z quality. TXZ is TAR archive compressed with XZ. Superior to GZIP and BZIP2 with ratios similar to 7Z but as single-file stream. Becoming the new standard for Linux distributions and software packages. Supports multi-threading for faster processing. Perfect for large archives, software distribution, and modern Linux systems. Smaller download sizes for software packages while maintaining fast decompression. Default compression for many current Linux distributions.
{format_tar_7z_desc}
{format_tar_bz_desc}
{format_tar_lz_desc}
{format_tar_lzma_desc}
{format_tar_lzo_desc}
{format_tar_z_desc}
TGZ - TAR archive compressed with GZIP compression. Combines TAR's file bundling with GZIP's compression in single extension (.tgz instead of .tar.gz). Standard format for Linux software distribution and source code packages. Maintains Unix file permissions and attributes while reducing size 50-70%. Fast compression and decompression speeds. Universal compatibility on Unix/Linux systems. Perfect for software releases, backup archives, and cross-platform file transfer. Abbreviated form of TAR.GZ with identical functionality and structure.
TBZ2 - TAR archive compressed with BZIP2 compression. Better compression than TGZ (10-15% smaller) but slower processing. Uses Burrows-Wheeler block sorting for excellent text compression. Common in Linux distributions and software packages where size is critical. Maintains Unix file permissions and attributes. Perfect for source code distribution, archival storage, and bandwidth-limited transfers. Abbreviated form of TAR.BZ2 with identical functionality. Standard format for Gentoo Linux packages and large software archives.
TXZ - TAR archive compressed with XZ (LZMA2) compression. Modern format offering best compression ratios for TAR archives (better than TGZ and TBZ2). Fast decompression despite high compression. Supports multi-threading for improved performance. Becoming standard for Linux distributions (Arch, Slackware use TXZ). Maintains Unix permissions and symbolic links. Perfect for large software packages, system backups, and efficient storage. Abbreviated form of TAR.XZ representing the future of Unix archive compression.
LZMA/TAR.LZMA - Lempel-Ziv-Markov chain Algorithm compression format (2001) offering excellent compression ratios. TAR.LZMA combines TAR archiving with LZMA compression. Predecessor to XZ format using similar algorithm but older container format. Better compression than GZIP and BZIP2 but superseded by XZ/LZMA2. Still encountered in older Linux distributions and legacy archives. Slower compression than GZIP but better ratios (similar to XZ). Modern systems prefer TAR.XZ over TAR.LZMA. Legacy format for accessing older compressed archives from 2000s era.
LZO/TAR.LZO - Lempel-Ziv-Oberhumer compression format prioritizing speed over compression ratio. TAR.LZO is TAR archive compressed with LZO. Extremely fast compression and decompression (faster than GZIP) with moderate ratios (30-50% reduction). Popular in real-time applications, live systems, and scenarios requiring instant decompression. Used by some Linux kernels and embedded systems. Common in backup solutions prioritizing speed. Perfect for temporary compression, live CD/USB systems, and high-speed data transfer. Trade-off: larger files than GZIP/BZIP2/XZ but much faster processing.
Z/TAR.Z - Unix compress format from 1985 using LZW (Lempel-Ziv-Welch) algorithm. TAR.Z is TAR archive compressed with compress command. Historical Unix compression format predating GZIP. Patent issues (until 2003) led to GZIP replacing it. Legacy format with poor compression by modern standards. Rarely used today except in very old Unix systems and historical archives. If you encounter .Z or .tar.Z files, convert to modern formats (TAR.GZ, TAR.XZ) for better compression and wider support. Important for accessing ancient Unix archives from 1980s-1990s.
Spezialisierte Formate
ISO Image - ISO 9660 disk image format containing exact sector-by-sector copy of optical media (CD/DVD/Blu-ray). Standard format for distributing operating systems, software installations, and bootable media. Can be mounted as virtual drive without physical disc. Contains complete filesystem including boot sectors, metadata, and file structures. Essential for Linux distributions, system recovery media, and software archives. Used by burning software, virtual machines, and media servers. Universal standard with support in all major operating systems for mounting and burning.
Cabinet Archive - Microsoft's compression format for Windows installers and system files. Used extensively in Windows setup packages, driver installations, and system updates. Supports multiple compression algorithms (DEFLATE, LZX, Quantum), split archives, and digital signatures. Built into Windows with native extraction support. Common in software distribution for Windows applications, particularly older installers and Microsoft products. Maintains Windows-specific attributes and can store multiple files with folder structures. Part of Windows since 1996.
AR Archive - Unix archiver format (1970s) originally for creating library archives (.a files). Simple format storing multiple files with basic metadata (filename, modification time, permissions). Used primarily for static libraries in Unix development (.a extension). Foundation format for DEB packages (Debian packages are AR archives containing control and data). Minimal compression support (none by default). Essential for Unix library management and Debian package structure. Standard tool 'ar' included on all Unix/Linux systems. Simple and reliable for static file collections.
Debian Package - software package format for Debian, Ubuntu, and derivative Linux distributions. Contains compiled software, installation scripts, configuration files, and dependency metadata. Used by APT package manager (apt, apt-get commands). Actually a special AR archive containing control files and data archives. Essential format for Debian-based Linux software distribution. Includes pre/post-installation scripts, version management, and dependency resolution. Standard packaging for thousands of Ubuntu/Debian applications. Can be inspected and extracted as regular archive.
RPM Package - Red Hat Package Manager format for Red Hat, Fedora, CentOS, SUSE, and derivative Linux distributions. Contains compiled software, installation metadata, scripts, and dependency information. Used by YUM and DNF package managers. Includes GPG signature support for security verification. Standard for Red Hat Enterprise Linux ecosystem. Supports pre/post-installation scriptlets, file verification, and rollback capabilities. Essential format for RHEL-based Linux software distribution. Can be extracted as archive to inspect contents without installation.
JAR-Archiv - Java-Archivformat basierend auf ZIP-Kompression zur Verpackung von Java-Anwendungen. Enthält kompilierte Java-Klassen (.class-Dateien), Anwendungsressourcen und Manifestmetadaten. Standardverteilungsformat für Java-Anwendungen und -Bibliotheken. Unterstützt digitale Signaturen zur Codeverifizierung. Kann ausführbar sein (ausführbare JAR-Dateien mit Main-Class-Manifest). Perfekt für die Bereitstellung von Java-Anwendungen, die Verteilung von Bibliotheken und Pluginsystemen. Kompatibel mit ZIP-Tools, enthält jedoch Java-spezifische Funktionen. Essentielles Format für die Java-Entwicklung und -Bereitstellung seit 1996.
ARJ Archive - legacy DOS compression format by Robert Jung (1991). Popular in DOS and early Windows era for its good compression ratio and ability to create multi-volume archives. Supports encryption, damage protection, and archive comments. Largely obsolete today, replaced by ZIP, RAR, and 7Z. Still encountered in legacy systems and old software archives. Requires ARJ or compatible decompression software. Historical format important for accessing old DOS/Windows archives from 1990s. Better converted to modern formats for long-term accessibility.
LHA-Archiv - Japanisches Kompressionsformat (auch LZH) entwickelt 1988, extrem beliebt in Japan und bei Amiga-Nutzern. Verwendet LZSS- und LZHUF-Kompressionsalgorithmen, die gute Verhältnisse bieten. Häufig für die Verteilung japanischer Software in den 1990er Jahren. Unterstützt Archiv-Header, Verzeichnisstrukturen und Dateiattribute. Legacy-Format, das jetzt größtenteils durch moderne Alternativen ersetzt wurde. Wird immer noch in der Retro-Computing-, japanischen Softwarearchiv- und Amiga-Community angetroffen. Erfordert LHA/LZH-kompatible Software zur Extraktion. Wichtig für den Zugriff auf japanische und Amiga-Softwarearchive.
CPIO Archive - Copy In/Out archive format from Unix (1970s) for creating file archives. Simpler than TAR, often used for system backups and initramfs/initrd creation. Standard format for Linux initial RAM disk images. Supports multiple formats (binary, ASCII, CRC). Better handling of special files and device nodes than TAR. Common in system administration, bootloader configurations, and kernel initrd images. Universal on Unix/Linux systems. Essential for system-level archiving and embedded Linux systems. Works well for streaming operations.
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Häufig gestellte Fragen
What is a CAB file and why was it widely used on Windows for software distribution?
A CAB (Cabinet) file is Microsoft’s native compressed archive format introduced in the Windows 95 era. It was designed to deliver software components, drivers, and installers efficiently while preserving file integrity and minimizing download or installation sizes.
Unlike general-purpose archives, CAB files support multiple compression algorithms (LZX, MSZIP, Quantum) and internal indexing optimized for fast extraction by Windows setup tools.
CAB archives became essential for Windows installers, system updates, component packages, and deployment tools, even though modern formats have largely replaced them in consumer workflows.
Why are CAB files still used inside Windows even though ZIP and MSI are more common?
CAB files integrate deeply with the Windows servicing stack, making them ideal for packaging system components, update payloads, and driver bundles.
Windows Installer (MSI) and DISM rely on CAB structures for storing features, patches, and optional Windows components due to their predictable structure and fast parsing.
Legacy-Tools sind weiterhin auf CAB-Archive angewiesen, da sie deterministisches Verhalten garantieren, das moderne komprimierte Formate möglicherweise nicht bieten.
Warum kann ich bestimmte CAB-Dateien nicht mit normalen Archivwerkzeugen öffnen?
Einige CAB-Dateien enthalten spezialisierte digitale Signaturen, interne Reparaturtabellen oder Mehrvolumenstrukturen, die generische Extraktoren nicht interpretieren können.
Advanced compression modes like LZX or Quantum may not be fully supported outside Windows tools such as `expand.exe` or DISM.
System-level CAB archives created for updates may contain metadata blocks that require Windows-specific extraction behavior.
Warum enthalten CAB-Dateien manchmal mehrere komprimierte Abschnitte anstelle von einem?
Große Installer teilen den Inhalt in mehrere Kompressionseinheiten auf, um die Extraktion zu beschleunigen und eine Übernutzung des Speichers während der Installationsverfahren zu vermeiden.
Diese Struktur ermöglicht inkrementelles Entpacken, was bedeutet, dass nur relevante Komponenten bei Bedarf dekomprimiert werden.
Mehrteilige interne Strukturen optimieren die Installationsgeschwindigkeit auf älterer Hardware, wo CAB-Dateien entstanden sind.
Warum ist die CAB-Kompression manchmal schlechter als ZIP oder 7Z?
CAB priorisiert deterministische und schnelle Dekompression anstelle eines maximalen Kompressionsverhältnisses.
Its algorithms are optimized for Windows installer scenarios, not general-purpose compression.
Formate wie 7Z verwenden fortschrittlichere moderne Algorithmen, mit denen CAB nie konzipiert wurde, um zu konkurrieren.
Ist es sicher, CAB-Dateien aus unbekannten Quellen zu installieren oder zu extrahieren?
CAB-Dateien können ausführbare Binaries, Skripte, DLLs oder Systemtreiber enthalten, was sie potenziell gefährlich macht, wenn sie aus nicht vertrauenswürdigen Quellen stammen.
Many Windows updates rely on digital signatures inside CAB archives—lack of valid signatures is a red flag.
Überprüfen Sie immer die Quelle oder die Signatur, bevor Sie den Inhalt von CAB extrahieren oder installieren.
Why do Windows drivers often come packaged as CAB files?
Treiber-Metadaten, Konfigurationsdateien und binäre Blobs komprimieren effizient innerhalb von CAB aufgrund vorhersehbarer Dateistrukturen.
The Windows Driver Store and PnP framework expect CAB-based driver bundles for streamlined installation.
Microsoft’s deployment infrastructure uses CAB as a uniform format for distributing certified drivers.
Warum erfordern einige CAB-Dateien spezielle Tools wie DISM oder pkgmgr zur Installation?
System component CABs contain manifests, dependencies, and metadata that must be processed by Windows component servicing rather than normal extraction tools.
DISM validiert die Integrität der Signatur, überprüft die Kompatibilität und registriert Komponenten beim Betriebssystem.
Diese CAB-Archive ändern die OS-Umgebungen und erfordern erhöhte Berechtigungen und spezielle Handhabung.
Können CAB-Dateien leicht beschädigt werden?
CAB-Archive enthalten interne Prüfziffern, aber partielle Downloads oder Unterbrechungen können den Container oder einzelne Blöcke beschädigen.
Mehrvolumige CABs sind besonders anfällig, da ein fehlendes Teil das gesamte Set unbrauchbar macht.
Windows tools typically detect corruption instantly due to built-in validation structures.
Können CAB-Dateien sehr große Archive speichern?
Das klassische CAB-Format hat eine maximale Größenbeschränkung von etwa 2 GB pro Datei aufgrund von 32-Bit-Strukturgrenzen.
Moderne Software verwendet selten CAB für übergroße Archive, da Formate wie ZIP64 oder 7Z große Datensätze viel besser handhaben.
Für OS-Komponenten wird der Inhalt normalerweise in kleinere CABs aufgeteilt, um innerhalb der Kompatibilitätsgrenzen zu bleiben.
Warum extrahieren Installer CAB-Dateien oft vorübergehend während der Einrichtung?
Viele MSI-, EXE- und Setup-Frameworks betten CAB-Dateien intern ein und extrahieren sie dynamisch, wenn die Installation beginnt.
Dies macht Installer kleiner, modularer und einfacher zu aktualisieren oder zu patchen.
Die vorübergehende Extraktion ermöglicht auch die selektive Installation von Komponenten basierend auf der Benutzerkonfiguration.
Unterstützen CAB-Dateien Verschlüsselung oder Passwortschutz?
Das Standard-CAB-Format unterstützt keine Verschlüsselung oder Passwortschutz jeglicher Art.
Sicherheit muss auf Dateiebene innerhalb des CAB angewendet werden (z. B. verschlüsselte EXEs), nicht auf den CAB-Container selbst.
Aufgrund dieser Einschränkung ist CAB nicht für die Speicherung sensibler oder vertraulicher Daten geeignet.
Wie funktionieren mehrvolumige CAB-Dateien?
Große Installer teilen manchmal den CAB-Inhalt in mehrere Dateien auf (z. B. `data1.cab`, `data2.cab`).
Jeder Teil enthält Segmente der internen Struktur, und die Extraktion erfordert alle vorhandenen Volumen.
Dieses Design spiegelt die Ära der Disketteninstallationen wider und unterstützt weiterhin die Abwärtskompatibilität.
Ist das CAB-Format heute noch relevant?
CAB is still widely used in Windows Update packages, driver distributions, and system components.
Allerdings begegnen allgemeine Benutzer CAB-Dateien selten manuell aufgrund moderner Komprimierungs- und Verpackungsalternativen.
Despite its age, CAB remains embedded deeply in Microsoft’s infrastructure and is unlikely to disappear.
Sollten Sie CAB für allgemeine Archivierung oder Kompression verwenden?
Nein – CAB ist im Vergleich zu ZIP, 7Z oder TAR.XZ in Bezug auf Kompressionsverhältnis, Flexibilität und moderne Funktionen veraltet.
Es fehlt an Verschlüsselung, erweiterter Metadatenunterstützung und großen Dateifähigkeiten.
Use CAB only when interacting with Windows drivers, installers, updates, or legacy deployment systems.