# JAR Viewer

Free online JAR viewer. Open Java archives (.jar, .war, .ear) in your browser to list contents — no upload, no extraction.

> Canonical page: https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/jar

- **Category:** Archives

- **Supported formats:** .jar, .war, .ear

## Overview

This JAR viewer reads Java archive files directly in your browser. JAR (.jar) is the package format for Java applications and libraries; WAR (.war) and EAR (.ear) are related formats for web and enterprise applications. All are based on ZIP. Pick a sample or choose your own .jar / .war / .ear file to browse its contents instantly, with no upload.

## When to use

- You received a .jar file and want to see its class files and dependencies.
- You need a private preview of a WAR web application before deploying.
- You want to inspect a Java library on a machine without Java tools.

## How it works

- Select a built-in sample archive or choose your own .jar / .war / .ear file.
- The viewer reads the archive's contents in your browser — nothing is uploaded.
- Browse the file list to see classes, resources and the manifest.

## Use cases

- Inspecting Java library dependencies.
- Checking WAR deployment descriptors.
- Previewing Java application structure.

## Samples

- **Sample Archive**: A JAR archive sample for in-browser preview

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the difference between JAR, WAR and EAR?

JAR (Java Archive) packages general Java classes and resources. WAR (Web Application Archive) is for web apps with servlets and JSPs. EAR (Enterprise Archive) bundles multiple modules including WARs and EJBs. All use the same ZIP-based container format.

### Are my JAR files uploaded?

No. Files you open from your device stay on your device and are read locally. Only the public sample archive is requested from the server.

### Can it decompile .class files?

No, this viewer lists the archive contents (class names, manifest, resources) for inspection. It does not decompile or execute Java bytecode.

## Related content

- [ZIP Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/zip): Open and preview ZIP archives (.zip, .zipx) directly in your browser — list contents without uploading or extracting.
- [7Z Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/7z): Open and preview 7Z archives (.7z) directly in your browser — list contents without uploading or extracting.
- [RAR Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/rar): Open and preview RAR archives (.rar, .cbr) directly in your browser — list contents without uploading or extracting.
- [TAR Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/tar): Open and preview TAR archives (.tar, .tgz) directly in your browser — list contents without uploading or extracting.
- [GZ Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/gz): Open and preview GZip archives (.gz, .gzip) directly in your browser — list contents without uploading or extracting.
- [BZ2 Viewer](https://elysiatools.com/en/viewers/bz2): Open and preview BZip2 archives (.bz2, .bzip2, .tbz, .tbz2) directly in your browser — list contents without uploading or extracting.