File Roller
File Roller: A capable open-source graphical archiver with broad format and archive-management support. Ranked #7 of 36 in File Compression Software by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for linux users wanting a capable graphical archiver.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLinux users wanting a capable graphical archiver
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Archive encryptionYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports a broad range of archive and compressed-file formats
- Creates, modifies, extracts, and inspects archive contents
- Offers encryption, multivolume archives, and command-line opening
Where it doesn't
- Available for Linux desktop environments
- Feature availability depends on installed utilities and libraries
- Relies on external archiving programs such as tar and zip
Our verdict on File Roller
File Roller is a graphical archive manager for the GNOME desktop environment, designed for Linux users who want to create, inspect, modify, and extract archives through a desktop interface. It can display archive contents, open files inside archives, and modify those files where supported. The application also provides a graphical front end to archiving programs such as tar and zip, making it suitable for users who prefer visual archive management while still working with common Linux archiving tools.
Its format coverage is a major strength. File Roller supports formats including 7z, ace, ar, arj, cab, cpio, deb, dmg, iso, jar, rar, rpm, tar and its compressed variants, zip, cbz, gz, bz2, xz, zst, and others. The published feature set also includes password protection, encryption of archive file lists when supported, and creation of multivolume archives. Integration with tar, zip, and Nautilus further suits Linux desktop workflows, while command-line opening of multiple files gives it a practical option for users who combine graphical and terminal-based work.
File Roller is distributed as open-source software under the GPL-2.0 license and is available on Linux. Its capabilities depend on the external archiving utilities and libraries installed on the system, so the available format and security functions can vary with that environment. Choose File Roller if you want a broad, graphical archive manager integrated with a GNOME-oriented Linux workflow. Users seeking a cross-platform product or a self-contained archiving application should consider a different tool.
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File Roller pricing
File Roller fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Archive formats | 7z, ace, alz, ar, arj, cab, cpio, deb, dmg, iso, jar, ear, war, lha, rar, cbr, rpm, tar, tar.gz, tar.br, tar.bz, tar.bz2, tar.bz3, tar.Z, tar.lrz, tar.lz, tar.lzo, tar.7z, tar.xz, tar.zst, snap, squashfs, sit, zip, cbz, zoo, gz, br, bz, bz2, bz3, Z, lrz, lz, lzo, rz, xz, zst |
| Archive encryption | Yes |
| Split archives | Yes |
| Command-line tools | Yes |
| Portable version | Not verified |
| Archive repair | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | Linux |
| Deployment | Desktop |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: tar, zip, Nautilus |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | apps.gnome.org |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
File Roller integrations
File Roller lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- tar
- zip
- Nautilus
Alternatives to File Roller
- 7-ZipA free, open-source archiver with broad formats, encryption, recovery tools, and cross-platform support.9.4
- PeaZipA capable free archive manager for desktop users who need broad format coverage and file utilities.9.2
- PowerArchiverA format-rich archive tool for business workflows, automation, and secure file handling.9.0
See all File Roller alternatives →
File Roller vs the competition
- File Roller vs 7-Zip
- File Roller vs PeaZip
- File Roller vs PowerArchiver
- File Roller vs Bandizip
- File Roller vs Keka
- File Roller vs Ark
Compare File Roller with any tool side by side →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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