TAR.BZ Converter
Convert files to and from TAR.BZ online for free. Fast, secure, and high-quality file conversion with no sign-up or software required.
Maximum file size is 1GB
Like RunConvert? Set us as a preferred source on Google.
Add to Preferred SourcesHow it works
Three steps to your converted file
Everything happens in your browser tab - upload, pick a format, download. The heavy lifting runs on our servers.
Upload your file
Drag and drop, click to browse, or paste a URL. Batches take up to 20 files at once - 230+ input formats across video, audio, image, document, and archive types.
Choose an output format
Pick from over a hundred output formats. Filter by category or search by name - every option is open to everyone, no account needed.
Convert & download
Hit Convert and grab your download link moments later. Originals are erased when the job completes; results are cleared within about an hour.
What is a TAR.BZ file?
A TAR.BZ file represents a TAR archive compressed using the Bzip compression algorithm, an older predecessor to Bzip2. This format utilizes the Burrows-Wheeler transform followed by Move-to-Front (MTF) transform and Huffman coding to achieve high compression ratios. While functionally similar to .tar.bz2, the .bz extension often denotes the use of the deprecated original bzip tool, which was removed from wide distribution due to patent concerns regarding arithmetic coding, though modern decoders often handle legacy streams.
How to open a TAR.BZ file
Due to the obsolescence of the original bzip algorithm, opening these files requires robust archive managers that maintain legacy support. 7-Zip (Windows) and The Unarchiver (macOS) can handle the decoding. On Linux systems, the bzip2 utility often includes backward compatibility for decompression, typically invoked alongside tar.
TAR.BZ Technical Info
- Full Name
- Tape Archive compressed with Bzip
- Developed By
- Julian Seward
- Initial Release
- 1996
- MIME Type
- application/x-bzip
More tools
Related conversions
Why RunConvert
The fastest way to convert any file
Purpose-built for speed, privacy, and breadth of format support.
3,000+ conversions supported
Every popular and niche format covered - video, audio, image, document, archive and more. New formats added regularly.
Fast, cloud-powered
No queue, no waiting. Files are processed on high-performance servers and returned in seconds, even for large files.
Secure & private
Encrypted in transit and never shared with anyone. Uploads are erased the moment your job completes, and results shortly after.
Free - no account needed
Convert without creating an account - no credit card, no trial clock. Sign in only if you want history and higher daily limits.