Before you can open a CBZ file (assuming it's even a file format that's intended to be viewed or edited), you'll need to determine what kind of file the .CBZ file extension refers to.
"What is a CBZ File?"
A file with the CBZ file extension is a CDisplay ZIP Archived Comic Book file.
Other types of files may also use the CBZ file extension. If you know of any additional file formats that use the .CBZ extension, please let me know so I can update this information.
How To Open an CBZ File
The easiest way to open a CBZ file is to double-click on it and let your PC decide which default application should open the file. If no program opens the CBZ file then you probably don't have an application installed that can view and/or edit CBZ files.
Warning: Take great care when opening executable file formats received via email or downloaded from websites you're not familiar with. See my List of Executable File Extensions for a listing of file extensions to avoid and why.
CBZ files can be opened with programs like Calibre, CDisplay Ex, GonVisor, and Comic Book Reader.
If you know anything else useful about CBZ files, please let me know so I can update this page.
Tip: Since CBZ files are based on the ZIP format, you should be able to rename any CBZ file with the ZIP extension and then open with your favorite file zip/unzip program.
This won't make the comic easy to read, but it will extract all the files that make it up.
If you find that an application on your PC does try to open the CBZ file but it's the wrong application or if you would rather have another installed program open CBZ files, see my How To Change the Default Program for a Specific File Extension guide for making that change in Windows.
How To Convert a CBZ File
There are two main ways to attempt to convert a CBZ file to another file type:
- Open the CBZ file in its default program and choose to save the open file as another file format.
- Download and install Calibre, a free eBook conversion tool that supports converting from CBZ files.
- Use a File Conversion Online Service or Software Program to convert the CBZ file to another file format.
The first option involving opening the CBZ file in its native program is preferable because it's both easier and will probably result in a more accurate file conversion. Of course if you don't have a program that opens CBZ files, or that program doesn't support converting them, a conversion tool like Calibre will be very useful.
Important: You cannot usually change a file extension (like the CBZ file extension) to one that your computer recognizes and expect the newly renamed file to be usable. An actual file format conversion using one of the methods described above must take place in most cases. The exception to this general rule with CBZ files is explained above, assuming you just want to extract the images and other information.
Still Having Problems Opening or Using a CBZ File?
See Get More Help for information about contacting me on social networks or via email, posting on tech support forums, and more. Let me know what kinds of problems you're having with opening or using the CBZ file and I'll see what I can do to help.