Extract RAR Files in C#

Introduction

RAR archives are widely used for compressing and bundling multiple files into a single package. In this guide, we will demonstrate how to extract RAR files in C#, including password-protected and encrypted RAR archives. Using Aspose.ZIP for .NET, you can seamlessly extract and manage RAR4 and RAR5 archives.

Table of Contents

  1. Setting Up C# RAR Extraction
  2. Extract a Specific File from RAR
  3. Extract All Files from RAR Archive
  4. Extract a File from Password-Protected RAR
  5. Extract All Files from Password-Protected RAR
  6. Get a Free API License
  7. Conclusion and Additional Resources

1. Setting Up C# RAR Extraction

To extract files from RAR archives in C#, install Aspose.ZIP for .NET. This library supports RAR4, RAR5, and encrypted archives.

Installation

Install via NuGet:

PM> Install-Package Aspose.Zip

Alternatively, download from the Aspose Downloads Page.

2. Extract a Specific File from RAR

Follow these steps to extract a single file from a RAR archive:

  1. Load the RAR archive using the RarArchive class.
  2. Select the specific file within the archive.
  3. Extract and save the file.

Code Example

using (RarArchive archive = new RarArchive("input.rar"))
{
    RarArchiveEntry entry = archive.Entries["example.txt"];
    entry.Extract("output_folder/example.txt");
}

This method extracts a single file from the RAR archive.

3. Extract All Files from RAR Archive

To extract all files from a RAR archive, follow these steps:

  1. Load the RAR file.
  2. Extract all files to a target directory.

Code Example

using (RarArchive archive = new RarArchive("input.rar"))
{
    archive.ExtractToDirectory("output_folder/");
}

This method extracts all files from the archive to the specified directory.

4. Extract a File from Password-Protected RAR

To extract a specific file from a password-protected RAR archive, follow these steps:

  1. Load the encrypted RAR archive.
  2. Provide the password.
  3. Extract the desired file.

Code Example

using (RarArchive archive = new RarArchive("protected.rar", "your_password"))
{
    RarArchiveEntry entry = archive.Entries["secure_file.txt"];
    entry.Extract("output_folder/secure_file.txt");
}

This method unlocks and extracts a specific file from a password-protected RAR archive.

5. Extract All Files from Password-Protected RAR

To extract all files from a password-protected RAR archive, follow these steps:

  1. Load the encrypted RAR file.
  2. Provide the password.
  3. Extract all files to the output folder.

Code Example

using (RarArchive archive = new RarArchive("protected.rar", "your_password"))
{
    archive.ExtractToDirectory("output_folder/");
}

This method extracts all encrypted files while preserving their structure.

6. Get a Free API License

To unlock full Aspose.ZIP features, request a free temporary license.

For documentation, visit the Aspose.ZIP Guide or ask questions in the Aspose Forum.

7. Conclusion and Additional Resources

Summary

This guide covered:

✅ How to extract RAR files in C#
✅ Extracting password-protected and encrypted RAR archives
✅ Handling both single and batch extractions

With Aspose.ZIP for .NET, you can efficiently extract, compress, and manage archives in your applications. Start automating RAR file processing today!