What are CBR and CBZ files? How to read CBR and CBZ files in Linux

Maybe while playing online, you've seen some CBR and CBZ files. These are the two most popular formats for distributing comics and graphic novels online.

The following article will explain what is reading CBR and CBZ files, as well as how to read CBR and CBZ files in Linux.

What are CBR and CBZ files?

Computer files are usually compressed to save space and organize information better. Common compression formats are RAR, ZIP and TAR.

Comics has a special set of extensions to designate them as 'comics'. CBR and CBZ files are zipped files specifically for comics. CBR files are similar to RAR files and CBZ files are similar to ZIP files, allowing the computer to associate comic reading software with files, while also allowing other non-comic products to use standard extensions.

How to read CBR and CBZ files in Linux

1. Mcomix

MComix is ​​an improved branch of the Comix project. If you use an Ubuntu-based distribution, you'll find it at Software Center or you can always install MComix on your computer with:

 sudo apt install mcomix 

The program is easy to use and provides all the functions you may need for an optimal reading experience. For example, there is a thumbnail strip on the left side of the screen that allows quick jump to any page, the option to display two pages at a time, adjacent pages to simulate printed manuscripts, etc. .

2. YACReader

Another popular and feature-rich option is YACReader, but you'll have to download it from its official website and install it manually.

YACReader is not much different from MComix in actual use, although it comes with a cleaner design.

How to create CBR and CBZ files in Linux

Creating CBR and CBZ files is very simple. See how you can turn an image into an equivalent version of digital comics.

1. Turn on your favorite file manager and open a folder where you have a bunch of image files.

2. If not, number them consecutively so they are displayed in the correct order in the folder itself.

3. Add them all to the new compressed ZIP or RAR archive any way you like. You can select them all in your file manager, right-click on them and use any of the hosting options provided or use a command-line tool like pkzip .

Rename the generated file extension to CBZ or CBR, depending on whether it's a ZIP or RAR archive, then try opening it in any comic reader.

Not necessarily a picture from a comic book. If desired, you can use personal photos from recent trips abroad or even screenshots as posts.