The JAR format is familiar to many users firsthand. It is an archive file created based on the JAVA programming language. However, even users who have encountered the JAR format in their work do not always know how to open it. Let's try to fill this gap.

JAR file: how to open?

Since files of this type are originally created using the JAVA language, the most logical assumption for viewing or editing content is to use the appropriate platform.

But do not confuse this format with files for mobile systems. For a JAR file to be executable, it must contain metadata in its structure in the form of an embeddable MANIFEST.imf file.

However, the object of this type itself is initially associated with the Java Runtime Environment, so if one is installed on the computer, the file will open automatically. In particular, this applies to the Jarsigner tool from the Java SDK.

Mobile systems

JARs can also be found on mobile systems. How to open it on the phone? Yes, you don't need to do anything. These objects are application installers, however, as a rule, installation is performed using an additional file of installer instructions in the JAD format.

When the installer is launched, the installation will be carried out in automatic mode, similar to how such processes occur in computer systems (however, without using the "Installation Wizard" or choosing a location for the application to be installed). If for some reason the JAVA environment is not supported by the phone or simply does not work, you can often open it using the MidpX emulator.

JAR file: how to open on a computer?

With computer systems, the situation is even simpler. Not to mention the aforementioned development environment, you can use familiar tools.

So, we have a file in JAR format. You can understand how to open it on a computer or laptop if you remember that this is actually an archive. In other words, any of today's well-known archivers will do. Quite simply, unpacking operations can be performed using programs like WinRAR, WinZIP, 7-Zip and the like.

You can often find narrowly focused utilities that allow you to change the archive format, turning the file into an executable program in the form of a regular "executable". Among those, the most famous application is JAR2EXE Converter.

Finally, sometimes this format may contain data about themes or add-ons of some popular web browsers (Thunderbird, Mozilla Firefox, etc.). The theme is simply applied to the design, and the user does not see the opening of the file as such (only the appearance of the browser changes).

1 extension(s) and 0 alias(s) in our database

Below you can find answers to the following questions:

• What's happened .jad file?
• What program can create .jad file?
• Where can I find a description .jad format?
• What can convert .jad files to another format?
• Which MIME type is associated with .jad extension?

Java Application Descriptor

JAD file is a Java Application Descriptor. JAD files describe the MIDlets (Java Micro Edition applications) that are distributed as JAR files. JAD files are commonly used to package Java applications or games that can be downloaded to mobile phones.

Detailed description is under development

The name of the program: -

MIME type: text/vnd.sun.j2me.app-descriptor

Magic bytes (HEX): -

String Magic (ASCII): -

Extensions related to:

Other file types may also use .jad file extension. If you have any useful information about .jad extension, !

Is it possible that the file extension is misspelled?

We found the following similar extensions in our database:

The .jad file extension is often given incorrectly!

According to searches on our site, these were the most common typos in the past year:

ad (1) , above (1) , cad (1) , jd (1) , jaw(1) , jar (1) , jac (1) , iad (1) , ajd (1) , mad (1) , jda (1) , jax (1) , jas (1) , jaf (1) , ja (one)

Can't open .jad file?

If you want to open .jad file on your computer, you just need to have the appropriate programs installed. If jad Associations are set incorrectly, you may receive the following error message:

Failed to open this file:

File: example.jad

To open this file, Windows needs to know which program you want to use to open it. Windows can go online to search for it automatically, or you can manually select from a list of programs installed on your computer.

To change file associations:

• Right-click the file whose extension you want to change, and then click Open from.
• V To open with dialog box, select the program you want to open the file with, or click Overview to find the program you want.
• Select Always use the selected program to open such a file checkbox.

Supported operating systems

Windows Server 2003/2008/2012/2016, Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, Linux, FreeBSD, NetBSD, OpenBSD, MacOS X, iOS, Android

Programs that support JAD file

JAD file conversion

After installing one of the applications from the list of programs you found here, you should have no problems opening or editing the JAD file. If you still have a problem with this, you can convert the JAD files to another format.

Converting a JAD file to another format

Converting Other Format Files to a JAD File

We hope we helped you solve the problem with the JAD file. If you do not know where you can download an application from our list, click on the link (this is the name of the program) - you will find more detailed information regarding the place from where to download a safe installation version of the required application.

What else can cause problems?

There can be more reasons why you cannot open a JAD file (not just the lack of a proper application).
Firstly- JAD file may be incorrectly linked (associated) with the application installed to support it. In this case, you need to change this connection yourself. To do this, right-click on the JAD file you want to edit, click the option "To open with" and then select the program you have installed from the list. After this action, problems with opening the JAD file should be completely gone.
Secondly- the file you want to open may simply be corrupted. Then, the best solution is to find a new version, or download it again from the same source as before (maybe for some reason in the previous session the download of the JAD file has not been completed and it cannot be opened properly).

Do you want to help?

If you have additional information about the JAD file extension, we will be grateful if you share it with the users of our site. Use the form provided and send us your JAD file information.

JAR (Java Archive File) is an archive format that stores elements of a program written in the Java language. Most often, files with this extension are mobile games and applications. On a computer, you can view the contents of such an archive and/or try to run the JAR as an application.

First, let's look at a few programs for opening JAR archives. This way you can make sure that it contains everything you need to run this application, as well as make the required changes.

Method 1: WinRAR

When it comes to archives, WinRAR comes to mind for most users. It's great for opening a JAR file.

Pay attention to the folder "META-INF" and file "MANIFEST.MF", which should be stored in it. This will allow the JAR file to be implemented as an executable.

You can also find and open the desired archive through the built-in WinRAR file browser.

If further work is planned with the contents of the archive, then unzipping will be required.

Method 2: 7-Zip

Support for the JAR extension is also provided in the 7-Zip archiver.

Method 3: Total Commander

An alternative to the mentioned programs can be the Total Commander file manager. Because its functionality includes working with archives, it will not be difficult to open a JAR file.

Ways to run a JAR on a computer

If you need to run an application or game JAR, you will need one of the special emulators.

Method 1: KEmulator

The KEmulator program is an advanced Java emulator that allows you to configure all kinds of application launch options.

On mobile phones, control was carried out using the keyboard. In KEmulator, you can enable its virtual counterpart: click "Reference" and select the item "Keyboard".

It will look like this:

If desired, in the program settings you can set the correspondence of the phone keys to the computer keys.

Please note that a file will appear in the JAR folder "kemulator.cfg", which contains the parameters for the operation of this application. If you delete it, then all settings and saves (if we are talking about the game) will be deleted.

Method 2: MidpX

The MidpX program is not as functional as KEmulator, but it does its job.

Once installed, all JAR files will be associated with MidpX. This can be understood by the changed icon:

Double click on it and the application will be launched. At the same time, the virtual keyboard is already integrated into the program interface, but it is impossible to configure control from the PC keyboard here.

Method 3Sjboy Emulator

Another easy option for running JARs is the Sjboy Emulator. Its main feature is the ability to choose skins.

The keyboard is also integrated here.

So, we found out that JAR can be opened not only as a regular archive, but also run on a computer through a Java emulator. In the latter case, it is most convenient to use KEmulator, although other options also have their advantages, for example, the ability to change the appearance of the window.