How to get .rar files to GIMP?

is there a way (free, and simple)?

.rar files are folders, kinda like .zip files.

1. Get WinRAR- there are free versions out there but there is also a trial on the site.

2. Open the .rar file in WinRAR- it will show you whats in that folder, like a .psd, .jpg, .png of the thing you need for gimp.

3.

A. Extract the files in the folder- there should be an Extract Files button, click that then put the location of where you want the files extracted, the extract.

B. Click on the file through WinRAR- it will open up in GIMP.

If you choosed A then go to the place where you extracted the files and click on it to open it. Also by choosing A, you will always haved the file saved if needed.

7Zip is a good alternative to WinRAR and it's FREE!

Me personally, I get a ZIP/RAR extraction program called JZip. It makes extracting 7Zip, RAR, and ZIP files more simpler. WinRAR is good to use, but it's not quite that user friendly as JZip is to me, 'cause I can compress and extract files more easily with JZip, but whatever works for you, it's your call.