What is a .BZIP2 file?
The file extension .BZIP2 indicates a Bzip2 Compressed Archive. This type of file is a compressed archive, which means it contains one or more files that have been shrunk in size using the bzip2 compression algorithm. This algorithm is quite efficient, typically reducing files to about 10-15% of their original size. This makes it easier to save space on your computer or to send files over the internet more quickly.
Bzip2 is a popular compression method especially used in Unix and Linux systems, and it's often included as a standard utility in many of these operating systems.
To open a .BZIP2 file, you can use several different programs depending on your operating system: - **On Unix/Linux**: You can use the command-line tools `bzip2` and `bunzip2` to compress or decompress these files. - **On Windows**: Programs like B1 Archiver, File Viewer Plus (available from Microsoft Store), Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe, RARLAB WinRAR, and others can be used to open .BZIP2 files. - **On macOS**: You can use the Apple Archive Utility (which comes with the operating system), Smith Micro StuffIt Deluxe Mac 16, The Unarchiver, Keka, or Zip File Unarchiver to handle these files. - **Online**: If you prefer not to install software, you can use web-based tools like B1 Online Archiver to open .BZIP2 files directly in your browser. - **On Android**: Apps like File Viewer for Android and RARLAB RAR (available from the Google Play Store), as well as B1 Archiver, can be used to open .BZIP2 files on Android devices.
These tools help you to decompress the contained files so you can access them normally.
Verification
Our goal is to help people find the most up-to-date information about file extensions for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS. We researched over 10,000 file extensions and their respective programs that open those files. If you want to suggest edits or updates about .BZIP2 file formats, example files, or programs that are compatible. Please contact us.