The simplest way to open a RAR file on Mac
The easiest method is to download The Unarchiver, a free app from the Mac App Store that handles RAR files without any setup. Once installed, double-click any RAR file and The Unarchiver opens it automatically. The extracted files appear in the same folder as the original RAR file.
If you prefer not to install software, you can also use Keka, another free option, or pay for WinRAR for Mac if you work with RAR files constantly and want the original software. Both work similarly: select the RAR file, choose to extract, and the contents appear nearby.
macOS does not include built-in RAR support the way it handles ZIP files, so one of these tools is necessary. The Unarchiver is the most popular choice because it requires no configuration and handles dozens of archive formats beyond RAR.
Key Takeaways
- The Unarchiver is a free Mac App Store download that opens RAR files with a double-click, with no additional steps required.
- Extracted files land in the same folder as the original RAR file, so you can find them immediately.
- Keka and WinRAR for Mac are alternatives if you prefer different software, though The Unarchiver covers most users' needs.
- macOS does not natively support RAR files the way it does ZIP, so third-party software is required.
Installing and using The Unarchiver
Open the Mac App Store, search for "The Unarchiver," and click Get. The app installs to your Applications folder. Once installed, you can close the App Store.
To open a RAR file, locate it in Finder, right-click it, and select Open With > The Unarchiver. Alternatively, double-click the RAR file if The Unarchiver is already set as the default app for RAR files. The extraction happens in seconds, and a new folder or set of files appears in the same location.
The Unarchiver also lets you change the destination folder before extracting. Right-click the RAR file, choose Open With > The Unarchiver, and a window appears asking where to save the contents. This is useful if you want the extracted files in a specific location rather than alongside the original archive.
Using Keka as an alternative
Keka is another free option available on the Mac App Store. Search for "Keka," install it, and the process is identical to The Unarchiver: right-click the RAR file and select Open With > Keka, or double-click if Keka is your default.
Keka also lets you create archives in multiple formats, not just open them. If you need to compress files into RAR format yourself, Keka provides that option alongside extraction. For most users who only need to open RAR files, The Unarchiver is simpler, but Keka works equally well.
When to use WinRAR for Mac
WinRAR for Mac is the official RAR software and costs around $29 for a license. It works on both Mac and Windows, so if you use both systems and want the same tool on each, WinRAR is a single purchase that covers both.
WinRAR also handles password-protected RAR files and can create RAR archives with specific compression settings. If you work with RAR files professionally or need fine-grained control over compression, WinRAR is worth the cost. For casual use, The Unarchiver is sufficient and free.
Handling password-protected RAR files
If a RAR file is password-protected, The Unarchiver and Keka both prompt you for the password when you attempt to extract. Type the password in the dialog box that appears, and extraction proceeds normally.
If you forget the password, there is no way to recover it. RAR encryption is strong, and neither The Unarchiver nor any other tool can bypass it. Contact the person who sent you the file and ask them to provide the password or send an unprotected version.
Troubleshooting extraction problems
If extraction fails or produces corrupted files, the RAR file itself may be damaged. Try downloading it again from the source, as incomplete downloads are the most common cause of extraction errors.
If the file downloads correctly but still will not extract, try a different tool. Switch from The Unarchiver to Keka, or vice versa, as one may handle a particular RAR variant better than the other. If both fail, the file may have been created with an older or non-standard RAR version that neither tool supports.
Occasionally, a RAR file contains nested archives—RAR files inside RAR files. Extract the outer file first, then extract the inner one. The Unarchiver and Keka both handle this, but it requires two separate extraction steps.
Comparing your options at a glance
| Tool | Cost | Source | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Unarchiver | Free | Mac App Store | Most users; simple, no setup |
| Keka | Free | Mac App Store | Users who also create archives |
| WinRAR for Mac | $29 | WinRAR website | Professional use; cross-platform |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a RAR file without installing anything?
Not on Mac. macOS does not include RAR support built in, so you must install a third-party tool. The Unarchiver is free and takes less than a minute to install, making it the fastest route.
What happens to the original RAR file after I extract it?
The original RAR file remains unchanged. Extraction creates a copy of the contents in a new folder or as separate files. You can delete the RAR file once you confirm the extracted files are what you need.
Can I open a split RAR file (like file.part1.rar)?
Yes. The Unarchiver and Keka both handle split archives. Place all parts in the same folder, then extract the first part (file.part1.rar). The tool automatically locates and uses the other parts to reconstruct the full contents.
Is The Unarchiver safe to download?
Yes. The Unarchiver is open-source software available on the official Mac App Store, which means Apple has reviewed it. It is widely used and has no known security issues.
Why is my extracted file smaller than the RAR file?
RAR files are compressed, so the archive is smaller than its contents. Once extracted, files return to their original size. If the extracted file is still much smaller than expected, the RAR file may be incomplete or corrupted.