RAR files have become a popular way to compress and share large files, but they can be a bit tricky to play, especially when it comes to multimedia content. If you’re a VLC user, you might be wondering how to play a RAR file on this popular media player. In this article, we’ll take you through the process of playing RAR files on VLC, and provide some useful tips and tricks along the way.
What Is A RAR File?
Before we dive into the process of playing RAR files on VLC, let’s take a brief look at what RAR files are and how they work. RAR (Roshal ARchive) is a file format that allows users to compress and archive files. It’s similar to ZIP files, but offers better compression ratios and more features.
RAR files are often used to share large files, such as movies, TV shows, and software programs. They can be password-protected and encrypted, making them a secure way to share sensitive data.
Why Can’t VLC Play RAR Files Directly?
VLC is a powerful media player that can play a wide range of file formats, including video and audio files. However, it can’t play RAR files directly. This is because RAR files are archives, not media files. They contain compressed data that needs to be extracted before it can be played.
How To Play A RAR File On VLC
To play a RAR file on VLC, you’ll need to extract the contents of the RAR file first. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Method 1: Extracting The RAR File Using A Third-Party Tool
You can use a third-party tool, such as WinRAR or 7-Zip, to extract the contents of the RAR file. Here’s how:
- Download and install a RAR extraction tool, such as WinRAR or 7-Zip.
- Open the RAR file using the extraction tool.
- Extract the contents of the RAR file to a folder on your computer.
- Open VLC and navigate to the folder where you extracted the contents of the RAR file.
- Select the media file you want to play and click “Play”.
Method 2: Using VLC’s Built-in Archive Support
VLC has built-in support for archives, including RAR files. However, this feature is not enabled by default. Here’s how to enable it:
- Open VLC and go to “Tools” > “Preferences”.
- In the “Preferences” window, click on “Input/Codecs” in the left-hand menu.
- Scroll down to the “Archive” section and select “RAR” from the drop-down menu.
- Click “Save” to save your changes.
- Open the RAR file using VLC. The media player will automatically extract the contents of the RAR file and play the media file.
Enabling Archive Support in VLC (Alternative Method)
Alternatively, you can enable archive support in VLC by adding a command-line option when you launch the media player. Here’s how:
- Open a command prompt or terminal window.
- Navigate to the folder where VLC is installed.
- Type the following command:
vlc --demux=archive <path to RAR file> - Press Enter to launch VLC and play the RAR file.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
If you’re having trouble playing a RAR file on VLC, here are some common issues and solutions:
Issue 1: VLC Can’t Extract The RAR File
If VLC can’t extract the RAR file, it may be due to a corrupted or password-protected archive. Try using a third-party tool, such as WinRAR or 7-Zip, to extract the contents of the RAR file.
Issue 2: VLC Can’t Play The Media File
If VLC can extract the RAR file but can’t play the media file, it may be due to a codec issue. Try installing additional codecs, such as the K-Lite Codec Pack, to enable VLC to play the media file.
Conclusion
Playing a RAR file on VLC is a bit more complicated than playing a regular media file, but it’s still possible. By extracting the contents of the RAR file using a third-party tool or enabling VLC’s built-in archive support, you can play your favorite movies and TV shows on this popular media player. Remember to troubleshoot common issues, such as corrupted or password-protected archives, and codec issues, to ensure a smooth playback experience.
| Tool | Description |
|---|---|
| WinRAR | A popular RAR extraction tool that can extract and create RAR archives. |
| 7-Zip | A free and open-source RAR extraction tool that can extract and create RAR archives. |
| VLC | A popular media player that can play a wide range of file formats, including video and audio files. |
By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to play your RAR files on VLC without any issues. Happy watching!
What Is A RAR File And How Does It Relate To VLC?
A RAR file is a compressed archive file that contains one or more files or folders. It is similar to a ZIP file but uses a different compression algorithm. VLC, on the other hand, is a popular media player that can play a wide range of audio and video files. While VLC can play many types of files, it does not natively support RAR files.
To play a RAR file on VLC, you need to extract the contents of the RAR file first. This can be done using a file archiver software such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. Once the contents are extracted, you can play the files using VLC.
Why Can’t I Play RAR Files Directly On VLC?
VLC does not natively support RAR files because they are compressed archives, not media files. VLC is designed to play media files such as MP4, AVI, and MKV, but it does not have the capability to extract and play files from compressed archives.
To play a RAR file on VLC, you need to extract the contents of the RAR file first. This can be done using a file archiver software such as WinRAR or 7-Zip. Once the contents are extracted, you can play the files using VLC.
What Software Do I Need To Extract RAR Files?
To extract RAR files, you need a file archiver software that supports RAR format. Some popular options include WinRAR, 7-Zip, and PeaZip. These software can extract the contents of RAR files and allow you to access the files inside.
You can download and install any of these software on your computer. Once installed, you can use them to extract RAR files and play the contents using VLC.
How Do I Extract RAR Files Using WinRAR?
To extract RAR files using WinRAR, you need to open the RAR file in WinRAR and select the files you want to extract. You can do this by right-clicking on the RAR file and selecting “Extract files” or by opening the RAR file in WinRAR and selecting the files you want to extract.
Once you have selected the files, you can choose the destination folder where you want to extract the files. WinRAR will then extract the files and you can play them using VLC.
Can I Extract RAR Files Online Without Installing Any Software?
Yes, there are online tools that allow you to extract RAR files without installing any software. These tools are web-based and can extract RAR files online. Some popular options include Online-Convert, B1 Online Archiver, and Unrar Online.
You can upload your RAR file to any of these websites and they will extract the contents for you. You can then download the extracted files and play them using VLC.
Are There Any Risks Associated With Extracting RAR Files?
Yes, there are risks associated with extracting RAR files. RAR files can contain malware or viruses that can harm your computer. When extracting RAR files, make sure to scan the files for viruses and malware before playing them.
Additionally, be cautious when downloading RAR files from unknown sources. Some RAR files may contain copyrighted or pirated content, which can be illegal to download or play.
Can I Play RAR Files On Other Media Players Besides VLC?
Yes, you can play RAR files on other media players besides VLC, but you need to extract the contents of the RAR file first. Once the contents are extracted, you can play the files using any media player that supports the file format.
Some popular media players that can play extracted RAR files include Windows Media Player, KMPlayer, and PotPlayer. However, keep in mind that you need to extract the RAR file first before playing it on any media player.