Create TAR.GZ — Bundle and Compress Files with Gzip
Create TAR.GZ archives online. Bundle files into a tarball with gzip compression. Free, no software installation.
TAR.GZ (also called tarballs) is the standard archive format on Linux and macOS. It combines the TAR bundling format with gzip compression, making it ideal for distributing source code, backups, and server deployments. Use the MyPDF Create TAR.GZ tool to build compressed tarballs in your browser.
How to Create a TAR.GZ Archive
- Upload — Drag your files and folders into the tool.
- Configure — Adjust the gzip compression level if needed (faster vs smaller output).
- Download — Save the
.tar.gzfile to your device.
Common Use Cases
| Use Case | Why TAR.GZ |
|---|---|
| Source code distribution | Standard format on GitHub releases |
| Linux server backups | Native support, no extra tools needed |
| Docker build contexts | Expected format for layer caching |
| Transferring directory trees | Preserves file permissions and symlinks |
| Data archival | Widely supported, future-proof |
Practical Tips
- Preserve directory structure. TAR.GZ retains the full folder hierarchy, file permissions, and symbolic links — important for server deployments.
- Use ZIP for Windows recipients. If you are sharing with Windows users who may not have tar support, consider the Create ZIP tool instead.
- For maximum compression, consider 7Z. If file size matters more than format compatibility, the Create 7Z tool produces smaller archives.
What is the difference between TAR and TAR.GZ?
TAR bundles files into a single archive without compression. TAR.GZ adds gzip compression on top, reducing the overall file size. The tool creates the compressed version by default.
Can I extract TAR.GZ files created with this tool on any OS?
Yes. Linux and macOS support TAR.GZ natively via the tar command. On Windows 10 and later, the built-in tar command handles it, or you can use the Extract TAR.GZ tool.
Is TAR.GZ or ZIP better for compression?
Gzip and Deflate (ZIP) offer similar compression ratios for most files. TAR.GZ has an edge because it compresses the archive as a whole (solid compression), while ZIP compresses each file individually.
Related Tools
- Extract TAR.GZ — Extract files from TAR.GZ archives.
- Create ZIP — Create ZIP archives for universal compatibility.
- Create 7Z — Create 7Z archives with maximum compression.
- Password Archive — Add password protection to archives.