KZ Format
KingZip's next-generation native format — AES-256-GCM, multi-threaded compression
History
KZ is KingZip's native, next-generation compression format. It combines ZIP's wide compatibility with 7Z-level compression ratios, while introducing modern authenticated encryption (AEAD) and a memory-hard key derivation function — bringing current security standards to a new compression format.
Key Features
- LZMA2-based compression — 7Z-level compression ratios
- Parallel multi-threading — Both compression and extraction use every CPU core for very high throughput
- AES-256-GCM authenticated encryption — Far stronger than simple password protection: AEAD provides confidentiality AND integrity together
- Argon2id key derivation — Modern memory-hard KDF that resists GPU/ASIC brute-force attacks
- BLAKE3 hash — Fast, cryptographically strong integrity verification
- Optional solid compression — Bundles similar files for higher ratios
- Split archives — .kz.001, .kz.002 … format
- Unicode filenames — Native UTF-8 support
Strengths
Combines modern security standards (AES-GCM + Argon2id + BLAKE3) with 7Z-level compression, and runs very fast inside KingZip via multi-threading. Highly resistant to brute-force password attacks, with precise corruption detection.
KingZip Support
As KZ is KingZip's native format, every capability is fully supported: AES-256-GCM, Argon2id, BLAKE3, split / solid / multi-threaded compression — all enabled by default. The format specification is open so other tools can implement compatible support.