Opening an LHA File

The LHA file type is primarily associated with WinRaR.

LHA	File extension: LHA
	File type:	compressed installation files

What is an LHA file?

LHA files mostly belong to WinRaR by Rarlab. LHA files are a group of files that are compressed through the LHARC compression algorithm, developed by Haruyasu Yoshizaki in 1988.

• Main Usage: LHA files are primarily utilized as popular compression formats on the commodore Amiga computers as they were implemented with support for the LHARC compression algorithm. Amiga computers additionally support a wide variety of video games such as Doom and Quake, as companies such as id Software utilized the LHARC compression algorithm to both compress installation files for their earlier and oldest games, as well as minimize the size of the programs distribution packages.
• Alternatives: The video games on the Amiga operating system are not the only programs which are able to support and open LHA files. Programs such as 7-Zip and WinZip are able to open and unpack the compressed LHA files, additionally being supported by most operating systems, namely Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. Although the LHA file extension has been largely replaced by the LZH file compression, many Japanese programs and products still support the LHA file extension.

How can I open an LHA file?

You need a suitable software like WinRaR to open an LHA file. You need a suitable software like WinRaR from Rarlab to open an LHA file. Without proper software you will receive a Windows message "How do you want to open this file?" or "Windows cannot open this file" or a similar Mac/iPhone/Android alert. If you cannot open your LHA file correctly, try to right-click or long-press the file. Then click "Open with" and choose an application. You can also display a LHA file directly in the browser:. Just drag the file onto this browser window and drop it.

Online LHA File Viewer

Choose your .lha file to view

or drag and drop it here

Online File Viewer

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How to extract texts from LHA files or capture a screenshot to PDF, JPG, DOCX, TXT, ...

1. To do this, click the button "Choose your .lha file to view" on this page.
2. Your LHA file will then be displayed in the browser.
3. Now click on "Save as..." at the top of the page.
4. Then choose the file format (e.g. JPG, PDF, DOCX, TXT, ...) you want.
5. Your file will be converted and downloaded.

4 Steps to Open an Unknown .LHA File

Because .LHA files can come from different programs, they aren't universally openable.

1. Identify the Source: A retro gamer might send Amiga ROMs, or a developer may share compressed installation files, suggesting a "Compressed" category archive.
2. Check the Header: Open the file in a hex viewer to inspect the first bytes:
   • Seeing -lh0- or -lh5- indicates a standard LHA archive.
   • Seeing "PK" suggests it was actually saved as a ZIP file.
3. Use the Original Software: The original program is usually required; try WinRaR (by Rarlab), 7-Zip, or WinUAE, and ask the sender if uncertain.
4. Use this Webpage: Drag and drop your .LHA file into our viewer to detect the format, extract readable text/metadata, and preview when possible.