RAR Files
Multi-Part (Split) RAR Files Explained
A multi-part RAR archive splits one large compressed file into several smaller pieces that must all be present in one folder to extract correctly.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
Multi-part, or multi-volume, RAR archives break a large archive into a series of smaller files instead of one big one. You'll see this with two common naming patterns: the newer archive.part1.rar, archive.part2.rar, archive.part3.rar scheme, or the older archive.rar, archive.r00, archive.r01 scheme.
Why archives get split
- Some upload platforms or email systems cap the size of a single file, so splitting a large archive lets it fit within that limit.
- Smaller individual files are easier to re-download individually if one transfer fails, instead of restarting a huge single download.
- Distributing large content across removable media or slow connections was historically easier in smaller chunks.
How to extract a multi-part archive correctly
- 1Download every part into the same folderAll the .partN.rar (or .rNN) files need to sit together — extraction won't work with only some of them present.
- 2Do not rename any of the part filesThe extractor identifies related volumes by their file names, so renaming a part can break the sequence.
- 3Open only the first partThat's
archive.part1.rar, or plainarchive.rarin the older naming scheme — never start from.part2.raror.r00. - 4Extract as normalThe extractor automatically reads through all subsequent parts in the folder to reconstruct the full archive.
- 5Verify the extracted outputCheck that the extracted files and folders match what you'd expect from a complete archive.
Missing-part errors
What happens if a part is truly missing
Unlike a recovery record, which can patch small errors, a completely missing volume generally can't be reconstructed from the other parts alone — each part contains a distinct chunk of the compressed data stream. If a .rev recovery volume was provided alongside the set, it may be able to reconstruct one missing or damaged part; otherwise, you'll need to re-download the missing piece from the original source. See corrupted RAR file for related repair guidance.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to extract each part of a multi-part RAR archive separately?
No. You open only the first part (part1.rar or the plain .rar file), and the extractor automatically reads through the rest of the parts in the same folder.
Can I extract a multi-part archive if one part is missing?
Generally no, unless a `.rev` recovery volume is also present and can substitute for the missing piece. Otherwise you'll need to obtain the missing part.
Why do I see both .r00 and .part1.rar naming in different downloads?
These are two different naming conventions for the same concept — split archive volumes — used by different software or archive settings. See [RAR file extension](/rar-file-extension).
Is it safe to rename multi-part archive files to reorganize them?
No, renaming can break the sequence the extractor relies on to find the next volume. Leave the file names exactly as downloaded.
Related guides
- What Does the .RAR File Extension Mean?The .rar extension marks a file as a RAR archive, but you'll also see .r00, .part1.rar, and .rev variants used for split and recovery volumes.
- How to Fix a Corrupted RAR ArchiveA corrupted RAR archive can sometimes be repaired, and sometimes can't. Here's how to test one, what recovery tools actually do, and when re-downloading is the real fix.
- What to Expect When Downloading a RAR FileDownloading a RAR file is just the first step — the archive still needs to be extracted, and a few common download issues can prevent that.
- How to Extract a RAR FileExtracting a RAR archive turns its compressed contents back into normal, usable files. Here's how to do it correctly across platforms.
WinRAR is a trademark of its respective owner. RareExplorer is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RARLAB or win.rar GmbH. Read our editorial policy to see how this page was researched.