.Z File Extension

Unix Compressed File

Z files can be converted to GZ easily without unpacking. GNUzip is the standard compression tool for UNIX-like systems. Files with Z suffix can be copied to any system, but may not open properly. Pr...

General Information

Title Z File Extension
Extension .z
Full Form Unix Compressed File
File Type Compressed File
Developer Various Unix Systems
MIME Type application/x-compress

File Function

Primary Function Data compression
Additional Functions Archiving files
Features Lossless, Single file

File Characteristics

Quality High compression
Supports Layers N/A
Supports Transparency N/A
Editable No

Use Cases

File Transfer Yes
Disk Space Saving Yes
Backup Yes

Security and Practices

Security Risks Archive bombs
Best Practices Virus scan, Update software

Historical/Version Information

Initial Release 1980s
Latest Version Varies by software

Associated Types

Similar Extensions .gz, .bz2, .xz

Software Compatibility

Software Usage Policy OS Compatibility
GNU UnZip Free Unix, Linux
7-Zip Free Windows, Linux, Posix
WinZip Paid Windows, Mac