Windows 7z a equivalent in Linux
Creates 7z, ZIP and other supported archive formats with the 7-Zip command-line tool.
7z a
7z a archive.7z folder/
7z a archive.7z folder/
7z a archive.7z folder/
Overview
What this command does
On Windows, "7z a" is used to create a 7-Zip archive. On Linux, the closest practical mapping shown here is "7z a archive.7z folder/". Creates 7z, ZIP and other supported archive formats with the 7-Zip command-line tool. This reference is grouped under File Management → Archives & Compression.
Windows → Linux context
What changes when you use this on Linux?
Same name, different environment
The basic command name 7z is familiar on both platforms, but Linux path rules, quoting, permissions and available options can still change the result.
Portable across the compared distros
The Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch rows use the same command in this mapping. Package availability or defaults can still vary, so check the installed tool version when an option behaves differently.
For the broader concept behind this mapping, read Linux filesystem for Windows users.
Practical tasks
Common use cases
Create a 7-Zip archive
Creates 7z, ZIP and other supported archive formats with the 7-Zip command-line tool.
7z a archive.7z folder/
Create a 7z archive
7z a archive.zip folder/
Create a ZIP archive
7z a -mx=9 archive.7z folder/
Use maximum compression
Ready to run
Copyable Linux commands
Review paths, device names, package names and permissions before running any command.
7z a archive.7z folder/
7z a archive.zip folder/
7z a -mx=9 archive.7z folder/
Walkthrough
Examples with explanations
7z a archive.7z folder/ # create a 7z archive
7z a archive.zip folder/ # create a ZIP archive
7z a -mx=9 archive.7z folder/ # use maximum compressionReference
Common options and variations
| Command or option | Use |
|---|---|
7z a archive.7z folder/ | Create a 7z archive |
7z a archive.zip folder/ | Create a ZIP archive |
7z a -mx=9 archive.7z folder/ | Use maximum compression |
Distro differences
Debian/Ubuntu vs Fedora vs Arch
Debian/Ubuntu, Fedora and Arch all use "7z a archive.7z folder/" for this mapping. The command syntax shown here is portable across the three rows, although installed versions and system defaults can still vary.
| Distribution | Package manager / base | Equivalent command | Difference to notice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Debian/Ubuntu | same command | 7z a archive.7z folder/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Fedora | same command | 7z a archive.7z folder/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
| Arch | same command | 7z a archive.7z folder/ |
Same command on this distribution. |
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