How to Open Rar File in Mac OS

macOS does not include native support for RAR archives, so users often search for how to open RAR file in Mac OS. The good news is that free, reliable tools make the process simple and fast. This article covers the two most effective methods to extract RAR files on any Mac.

Why RAR Files Need Extra Software on macOS

Apple built support for ZIP and a few other formats directly into Finder, but RAR remains unsupported. Without a dedicated extractor, double-clicking a RAR file produces no result or an error. Installing one lightweight app or using the built-in Terminal solves the issue permanently and keeps your workflow smooth.

Step-by-Step Guide to Open RAR File in Mac OS

1. Install The Unarchiver from the App Store

   Open the App Store on your Mac and search for “The Unarchiver” by developer Incredible Bee. Click Get, then Open once the download finishes. The app weighs under 10 MB and requires no payment or registration.

   

2. Extract the RAR archive with The Unarchiver

   Locate your RAR file in Finder. Right-click it, choose Open With, and select The Unarchiver. The contents extract to the same folder automatically. You can also drag the RAR file directly onto the Unarchiver icon in the Dock for the same result.

3. Use Terminal for command-line extraction

   If you prefer not to install apps, open Terminal from Applications > Utilities. Install Homebrew first with the official one-line command, then run “brew install unrar”. Navigate to the folder containing the RAR file using cd and type “unrar x filename.rar” to extract everything.

   

4. Change default app for future RAR files

   Right-click any RAR file, select Get Info, scroll to Open with, and choose The Unarchiver from the menu. Click Change All to apply the setting system-wide. Double-clicking RAR files will now extract them automatically.

Common Issues and Quick Fixes

• Password-protected RAR files prompt for a password in both The Unarchiver and Terminal. Enter it exactly as provided.
• If extraction fails, check that the download completed fully; partial files often cause errors.
• macOS may warn about unidentified developers the first time you open The Unarchiver. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security and click Open Anyway.
• Large RAR archives can take longer to extract; keep the Mac awake during the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open RAR files without installing anything?

Only if you use the Terminal method with Homebrew, which still requires one initial command-line installation of the unrar utility.

Does The Unarchiver support RAR5 format?

Yes, the current version fully supports RAR5 archives as well as older RAR versions and split multi-part files.

Is there a way to open RAR files directly in Finder?

After installing The Unarchiver and setting it as the default app, Finder will handle RAR files the same way it handles ZIP files.

Conclusion

With either The Unarchiver or the Terminal unrar command, you can reliably open RAR file in Mac OS and extract contents in seconds. Choose the method that matches your preference for apps or command-line tools.