How to Open and Extract RAR Files on Mac

Are you tired of struggling to open and extract RAR files on your Mac? If so, you're not alone. Unfortunately, macOS does not support the native opening or extraction of RAR files. However, there is a solution - using a third-party app that can help you open and extract these files.

What Is A RAR File?

A RAR file, also known as Roshal Archive Compressed file, is a file container with compressed files or data inside. It was developed by Eugene Roshal, a Russian software engineer. The main purpose of creating the RAR format was to compress folder contents and achieve smaller file sizes.

Why Can't I Open RAR Files on Mac?

MacOS does not support native opening or extraction of RAR files because it is a proprietary archive format. However, this doesn't mean you can't open and extract these files at all. There are several free zip extractor mac available that can help you achieve this.

How to Extract RAR Files on Mac

To extract RAR files on your Mac, you need to use an Unarchiver Mac app. This app is a popular tool used for extracting compressed files, including ZIP, GZIP, and TAR formats. To extract a RAR file using the Unarchiver app, follow these steps:

1. Download and install the Unarchiver app from the App Store.

2. Right-click on the RAR file you want to extract and select 'Open with' > 'Unarchiver'.

3. The Unarchiver app will automatically extract the files contained in the RAR file.

Tips for Using RAR Files

When using RAR files, it's essential to remember that some of these files may have passwords or be encrypted to secure the files inside. In such cases, you'll need to use a password to access the contents of the RAR file. Additionally, you can compress almost any type of file, including images, documents, videos, and software.

In conclusion, opening and extracting RAR files on Mac may not be as straightforward as other formats like ZIP or GZIP. However, using a free zip extractor mac app like Unarchiver makes it easy to extract these files. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily open and extract your RAR files on your Mac.

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