How to Build an Executable JAR File

The extension "JAR" stands for "Java Archive." Archive-type formats store other files within them, in order to make the files smaller and easier to manage and transport. An "executable" file is one that you can activate like a program, without using any other program to do so. So an executable JAR file is one that will self-extract when a user activates it at a later date to open the files stored inside without the use of a program.

Things You'll Need

• JAR archive program
• JAR-to-EXE conversion program

Instructions

1. Download and install an archive program that can handle JAR files. An example would be Bitzipper (see Resources).

2. Locate the file you wish to use to build into a JAR file. Right-click on it.

3. Click on the "Bitzipper" option you see there, and select the "Add to..." option. A new window will come up. Click on the drop-down menu and select "JAR" next to where it says "Save as Type." Name the file, and then click "OK."

4. Download and install a program that can take the JAR file and turn it into an executable. An example is "Java Executor" (see Resources).

5. Click and drag your JAR file over to the Executor program to automatically create an executable version of it.

References

• Info on Jar

Resources

• Bitzipper
• Java Executor