CPIO Archive Extractor
Open initramfs and CPIO archives used in embedded Linux
Privacy-first
Files never leave your device
Lightning fast
Extract instantly
Preview files
View before extracting
Up to 2 GB
Browser limit for individual archives
Drop your CPIO archive here
We extract everything directly in your browser. For multipart archives, select all parts.
Inspect boot images, modify configs, and export only what you need for debugging.
Example Archive
Archive Name
initramfs.cpio Typical Usage
Boot imageWhy teams choose this tool
- 100% client-side extraction powered by WebAssembly
- Preview directories before downloading large payloads
- Password prompts appear only when encryption is detected
- Works offline once the extractor is loaded
Workflow
- Drop your archive into the page or use the file picker.
- Warm up the extraction engines for large or encrypted archives.
- Preview folders, select what you need, and download instantly.
Format quick facts
CPIO archives power Linux initramfs images and build pipelines that need deterministic packaging.
Supported extensions: .cpio, .img
Best for
- Reviewing release packages before pushing to production
- Grabbing a single folder from a massive archive
- Auditing logs and backups without unzipping locally
- Helping non-technical teammates access individual files
Pitfalls to watch
- Large archives can consume browser memory—close other heavy tabs if you hit limits.
- Encrypted archives still require the original passphrase.
- Nested archives must be downloaded and reopened individually.
Common questions
Can I preview files inside a CPIO archive?
Yes. The extractor renders a browsable file tree so you can inspect folders and download individual files before exporting everything.
Does this support password-protected CPIO archives?
When encryption is detected, you'll be prompted for the password and the archive will be decrypted entirely in your browser.
Extract CPIO archives securely
Run everything inside your browser so sensitive files never leave your device. Download only what you need and keep workflows fast.