atool

Extract any archive

$ atool -x [archive.tar.gz]

$ atool -l [archive.zip]

$ atool -c [output.tar.gz] [files]

$ atool -a [archive.tar.gz] [newfiles]

$ atool -X [/path/to/dir] [archive.zip]

atool [-x|-l|-c|-a] [options] archive [files]

atool is a wrapper script that manages archives in various formats. It automatically detects archive types and uses the appropriate tool (tar, unzip, rar, etc.), providing a consistent interface regardless of format.
The tool simplifies working with mixed archive formats without memorizing different tools' syntax.

-x, --extract

Extract archive

List contents

Create archive

Add files to archive

Extract to specific directory

Execute command for each listed file

Force overwrite

Always extract to subdirectory

- tar (gzip, bzip2, xz, lzma, zstd)
- zip
- rar
- 7z
- ar
- cpio
- And more through backend tools

Requires appropriate backend tools installed (tar, unzip, unrar, 7z, etc.). Archive format detection based on extension. Some rare formats may not be supported.

atool was created to provide a unified interface for the many archive formats found on Unix systems, reducing cognitive overhead.

tar(1), unzip(1), 7z(1)