How to Open RAR Files on Mac? How to Unarchiver & Extract Them?

Opening RAR Files on Your Mac: A Comprehensive Guide

Mac users often encounter RAR files, a popular archive format known for its efficient compression. Unlike ZIP files, macOS doesn't natively support RAR, requiring a third-party application for extraction. This guide simplifies the process, covering various methods and addressing common concerns.

Why Use a Third-Party App?

macOS lacks built-in RAR support. To access the contents of a RAR file, you'll need an application designed to handle this format. Several excellent options are available, offering varying features and levels of complexity.

Method 1: Using the Mac App Store

The easiest way to open RAR files is through the Mac App Store. Search for "RAR" and explore the available apps. Popular choices include Unzip One, The Unarchiver, Keka, and RAR Extractor Lite. Review user ratings and features to select the best fit for your needs. Once downloaded and installed, simply right-click your RAR file and select "Open With" followed by your chosen app.

Method 2: The Unarchiver – A Detailed Walkthrough

The Unarchiver is a highly-rated, free, and user-friendly option. Here's a step-by-step guide:

1. Download and Install: Download The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store.
2. Launch the App: Locate The Unarchiver in your Applications folder and launch it.
3. Unarchive:
   • Open The Unarchiver.
   • Click "File" > "Unarchive to..."
   • Select your RAR file.
   • Choose an extraction location.
   • Click "Unarchive."

Method 3: Using Terminal (Advanced Users)

For command-line enthusiasts, Terminal offers a powerful alternative. This method requires installing Homebrew and unar:

1. Open Terminal: Access Terminal from Utilities within the Go menu in Finder.
2. Install Xcode Command Line Tools: Type xcode-select --install and press Enter.
3. Install Homebrew: Paste and run /bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)". Enter your password when prompted.
4. Install unar: Type brew install unar and press Enter.
5. Extract RAR: Type unar, drag and drop your RAR file into the Terminal window, and press Enter.

Setting a Default RAR Extractor

To automatically open RAR files with your chosen application, follow these steps:

1. Get Info: Right-click the RAR file, select "Get Info."
2. Change Open With: Under "Open With," choose your preferred app.
3. Change All: Click "Change All..." to apply this setting to all RAR files.

RAR vs. ZIP: Key Differences

Both RAR and ZIP are compression formats, but they differ in compression ratio, popularity, native support, and features. RAR generally offers better compression but requires third-party software on many systems. ZIP is more widely supported but less efficient.

Feature	RAR	ZIP
Compression Rate	Typically higher	Slightly lower
Popularity	Less common than ZIP	More universally accepted
Native Support	Requires third-party software	Supported natively by many OS
File Spanning	Can split archives into multiple files	Limited support, less common
Encryption	Stronger encryption options	Basic encryption available
Licensing	Proprietary	Open standard, more freely available
Recovery	Has recovery records for damaged archives	Lacks this feature

Security and Benefits of RAR Files

While RAR files themselves are safe, always download them from trusted sources to avoid malware. RAR files offer advantages such as superior compression, easier sharing of multiple files, and potential encryption for added security.

Conclusion

Opening RAR files on a Mac is straightforward with the right tools. Choose the method that best suits your technical skills and needs. Remember to download apps from reputable sources and maintain a clean digital environment using tools like MacKeeper's Duplicate Finder to manage extracted files effectively.

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