How to easily decompress RAR files on a Mac

If you work daily with documents, school projects, downloads, or files sent by others, chances are you’ll eventually come across a .rar file. And yes—unlike Windows, macOS cannot open RAR files natively. But don’t worry: extracting RAR files on a Mac is easy once you know which tools to use.

In this guide, you’ll learn—without unnecessary technical jargon—how to open RAR files on macOS safely, which apps are the most reliable, and how to avoid common mistakes that often confuse users.

What Is a RAR File and Why Do You Need to Extract It?

A RAR file is a compression format created by Eugene Roshal. Its purpose is to reduce file size so storage and transfers are more efficient. It can also split large files into multiple parts to make sharing easier.

Why doesn’t your Mac open it automatically?Because Apple only includes native support for formats like ZIP, leaving RAR and other advanced formats to third-party tools. So if you receive a .rar file or download one from the internet, you’ll need an application that can read and extract the content safely.

Options for Opening RAR Files on Mac

These are the most trusted and widely used applications for opening compressed .rar files on macOS:

The Unarchiver (top recommendation)

• Free

• Actively maintained

• Lightweight and compatible with many formats (RAR, 7z, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, LZH, CAB, and more)

  
  

Keka

• Well-known Spanish open-source project

• Supports a wide variety of formats

• Offers both extraction and advanced compression

  
  

RAR Extractor – Unarchiver

• Simple to use

• Available on the Mac App Store

• Great option if you want something very straightforward

  
  

BetterZip

• More advanced, professional-grade tool

• Lets you preview file contents without fully extracting them

If your goal is simply to extract RAR files on your Mac quickly and for free, The Unarchiver is the most practical and secure choice.

How to Use The Unarchiver Step by Step

The Unarchiver is one of the most stable and reliable tools available for macOS. Here’s how to use it:

1. Download The UnarchiverFind it directly in the App Store. The official version is free and doesn’t include adware or unwanted extras.

2. Configure Supported FormatsOnce opened, make sure RAR is checked (it usually is by default). You can select additional formats if you want The Unarchiver to handle them.

3. Choose the Destination FolderIn the Extraction tab, select where you want extracted files to appear—Desktop, Documents, or any custom folder.

4. Open the .rar FileJust double-click the file. The Unarchiver will take care of the extraction automatically.

5. Review the Extracted FilesThe content will appear in the folder you configured. If something fails, the file may be incomplete or corrupted.

   
   

Keep Your Mac Safe Before Opening Compressed Files

Remember that compressed files can hide malware if they come from questionable sources. Before extracting:

• Check out: “Backups on Mac”to protect your data in case of corrupted files or unexpected issues.

• And also: “How to Protect Your Mac from Cyberthreats and Malware”to avoid unpleasant surprises when handling unknown files.

  
  

Other Tools We Recommend

If you want additional trustworthy alternatives, here are more verified options:

Keka

Ideal if you value transparency and open-source development. Its performance is excellent even with large files.

Unarchiver One

Compatible with many formats and perfect for users who prefer a simple drag-and-drop experience.

WinZip for Mac

A paid but highly stable solution commonly used in professional environments.

Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes

Opening RAR files on Mac should be easy, but these practical tips will save you time and headaches:

• Check the integrity of the file. A failed download often results in extraction errors.

• Don’t open files from unknown sources. They may contain scripts or malware.

• Keep enough disk space free. Extraction can sometimes require double or triple the original size.

• Do not mix parts from different downloads. Multi-part RAR files (.part1.rar, .part2.rar…) must come from the same source.

• Update your extraction tool. New formats sometimes require the latest versions.

  
  

Want Your Mac to Work Smoothly Without Hassle?

At Setek, we can help you configure your Mac, improve its security, install trusted tools, and solve any technical questions with close and professional support.

👉 Need help with your Mac? Contact Setek and we’ll guide you step by step.