How to open and extract RAR files on Mac

Here's everything you need to know about RAR files and how to extract the contents of RAR files on Mac.

How to open and extract RAR files on Mac

What are RAR files?

RAR files are similar to ZIP files. Both are file formats that store multiple files compressed into one. This way, you only need to upload that one compressed file and the recipient only needs to download it instead of many individual files.

RAR is the abbreviation for Roshal ARchive, named after the Russian software engineer who created it. The RAR format was created to overcome some of the flaws in the ZIP format and gives users a number of benefits, including: smaller file size, easier splitting of files into parts and error recovery.

How to open and extract RAR files on Mac

Mac systems do not have their own tools to handle this file format. However, you can easily use a third-party app to open RAR files on Mac.

Open RAR files with Keka

How to open and extract RAR files on Mac

Keka is a compression and decompression tool available on the Mac App Store and works as a standalone installation. Once installed, all you have to do is double-click on the RAR file to extract it or right-click on a file, then select Open.

Note, Keka can create its own compressed files but does not support the RAR format. You can only compress files in ZIP, 7-Zip, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2 formats.

  • Download Keka for Mac

Use unRAR on Mac Terminal

To extract RAR files using Terminal, you need to install Homebrew - an "all in one" tool to install other tools.

For example, using Homebrew, you can install RAR file compression software with one command:

brew install unrar

You must enter the above command into Terminal. You can access it by opening Spotlight (use the keyboard shortcut Cmd + Spacebar), typing terminal , and opening Terminal.app .

If you receive a message UnRAR needs to be created from the following source:

How to open and extract RAR files on Mac

First, you must install the Xcode command line tools with the command:

xcode-select --install

Once UnRAR is installed, you can extract the RAR file by navigating to it in Terminal and entering the command:

unrar x example_file.rar

Use The Unarchiver to extract RAR files

How to open and extract RAR files on Mac

The Unarchiver is a free RAR file decompression software on macOS. You can use it to open any RAR archive with one click. Like Keka, The Unarchiver does not allow you to view the content inside files before extracting them. However, this tool has many customization options so you can extract them the way you want.

Another useful feature is that it supports non-Latin characters for archive names. Thanks to that, you can extract RAR files with foreign names.

The Unarchiver supports many different compressed file formats, including ZIP, 7Z, GZIP, CAB…

  • Download The Unarchiver

Above are some ways to open RAR files on Mac . Hope the article is useful to you.

Leave a Comment

How to Update Microsoft Edge to the Latest 2026 Version

How to Update Microsoft Edge to the Latest 2026 Version

Master how to update Microsoft Edge to the latest 2026 version with easy steps for Windows, Mac, Android & iOS. Boost speed, security & features instantly!

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Winaero Tweaker Fix 2026

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Winaero Tweaker Fix 2026

Struggling with Microsoft Edge crashes or errors after Winaero Tweaker tweaks? Get the ultimate guide on How to Fix Microsoft Edge "Winaero Tweaker" Fix 2026. Step-by-step solutions for smooth browsing in the latest updates. Quick, reliable fixes!

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Laptop Battery Threshold Fix

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Laptop Battery Threshold Fix

Discover proven ways to fix the Microsoft Edge Laptop Battery Threshold issue. Extend your battery life with step-by-step instructions, quick tweaks, and advanced tips for optimal performance on Windows laptops. Say goodbye to unexpected drain!

How to Permanently Delete Microsoft Edge WebView2 on Mac

How to Permanently Delete Microsoft Edge WebView2 on Mac

Struggling with unwanted Microsoft Edge WebView2 on Mac? Discover how to permanently delete Microsoft Edge WebView2 on Mac with our foolproof guide. Free up space, boost privacy, and reclaim your Mac effortlessly. Latest methods included!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Integrated Graphics Memory

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Integrated Graphics Memory

Struggling with Microsoft Edge hogging integrated graphics memory? Discover step-by-step troubleshooting for Microsoft Edge "Integrated Graphics" Memory issues, boost performance, and reclaim your GPU resources today.

Solving Microsoft Edge Rainmeter Skin Positioning Error

Solving Microsoft Edge Rainmeter Skin Positioning Error

Tired of Rainmeter skins misaligning on Microsoft Edge? This ultimate guide solves the Microsoft Edge "Rainmeter" Skin Positioning Error with step-by-step fixes, configs, and tips for perfect overlay alignment. Get back to customized bliss!

How to Fix Error 404 Page Not Found on Edge Browser

How to Fix Error 404 Page Not Found on Edge Browser

Tired of seeing Error 404 Page Not Found on Edge? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes for Microsoft Edge browser to resolve this issue quickly and browse without interruptions. Works on the latest versions!

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Installer Error 124

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Installer Error 124

Stuck with Microsoft Edge Installer Error 124? Get proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve it quickly. Master troubleshooting for smooth Edge installation on Windows. No tech skills needed!

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Page Unresponsive Error 2026

How to Fix Microsoft Edge Page Unresponsive Error 2026

Tired of Microsoft Edge "Page Unresponsive" error freezing your tabs in 2026? Get proven, step-by-step fixes to restore lightning-fast browsing. No tech skills needed!

Solving Edge Browser No Internet Secured Glitch (2026)

Solving Edge Browser No Internet Secured Glitch (2026)

Stuck with the Edge browser "No Internet Secured" glitch in 2026? Discover proven, step-by-step fixes to restore your connection fast. Clear cache, reset settings, and more for seamless browsing.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Transparency Multi GPU

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Transparency Multi GPU

Tackle Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge "Transparency" Multi GPU issues head-on with step-by-step fixes. Restore smooth, crystal-clear tabs and effects on dual NVIDIA/Intel setups effortlessly.

Solving Microsoft Edge Status In Page Error During Browsing

Solving Microsoft Edge Status In Page Error During Browsing

Tired of Microsoft Edge "Status In Page Error" ruining your browsing? Get proven, step-by-step fixes to resolve it fast. Clear cache, reset settings, and more for seamless surfing.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Certificate Mismatch Warning

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Certificate Mismatch Warning

Struggling with Microsoft Edge Certificate Mismatch warning? Discover step-by-step troubleshooting fixes for this common SSL error. Clear cache, update Edge, and more for secure browsing.

How to Reset Microsoft Edge to Default Factory Settings

How to Reset Microsoft Edge to Default Factory Settings

Struggling with a sluggish Microsoft Edge? Discover how to reset Microsoft Edge to default factory settings in minutes. Step-by-step guide with visuals to fix crashes, pop-ups, and performance issues effortlessly.

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Youtube Black Screen 2026

Troubleshooting Microsoft Edge Youtube Black Screen 2026

Struggling with YouTube black screen on Microsoft Edge in 2026? Discover proven, step-by-step troubleshooting fixes to restore smooth video playback instantly. Quick solutions that work!