This article explains how to unzip a RAR archive on Mac using a free program like Unarchiver. If for any reason you cannot install Unarchiver on your Mac, you can opt to use the free StuffIt Expander program.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Using Unarchiver
Step 1. Download and install the Unarchiver app
It is a program that allows you to open and unzip RAR files on Mac. To proceed with the installation, follow these instructions:
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Access the Mac App Store by clicking on the icon
Iphoneappstoreicon ;
- Click on the search bar located in the upper right corner of the App Store window;
- Type the keyword unarchiver into the search bar, then press the Enter key;
- Click on the button Get, placed next to the name "Unarchiver";
- Click on the button Install app when required;
- Provide your Apple ID password if prompted.
Step 2. Launch the Launchpad
Click on the corresponding icon featuring a stylized space rocket. Normally, it is placed on the Dock displayed at the bottom of the screen.
Step 3. Click on The Unarchiver app icon
This will start the program.
If prompted, you will have to choose whether to use a default folder in which to save the unzipped files or if you prefer to be asked from time to time
Step 4. Click on the Archive Formats tab
It is displayed at the top of the window.
Step 5. Select the "RAR Archives" checkbox
This way, in the future, you will be able to use the Unarchiver program to open RAR files.
Step 6. Select a RAR file
Go to the folder where the RAR file you want to open is stored, then click on the corresponding archive icon.
If you are trying to decompress a multivolume RAR archive (ie that has been split into multiple files), open the file with the ".rar" or ".part001.rar" extension. Remember that all the files that make up the RAR archive must be stored in the same folder
Step 7. Click on the File menu
It is located in the upper left of the Mac screen. A list of options will be displayed.
In some cases, you will be able to open the RAR file using the Unarchiver program, you just need to double click on the archive icon. If you have multiple apps installed on your Mac that can open RAR files, this method may not work correctly
Step 8. Select the Open With item
It is one of the options listed in the menu File. A submenu will appear next to the first one.
Step 9. Click on The Unarchiver option
It is one of the apps listed in the newly appeared menu. The RAR file you have chosen will be opened using The Unarchiver program. The contents of the RAR archive will be abstracted and stored in the same folder where the original file is.
If access to the RAR archive is protected by a password, you will be asked to type it before the data extraction procedure starts
Step 10. Open the extracted files from the RAR archive
By default, The Unarchiver extracts and stores the files present in the RAR archive in the same folder where the latter is saved. For example, if the original RAR file is stored on the Mac desktop, its contents will be extracted and saved in the same folder.
Method 2 of 2: Using StuffIt Expander
Step 1. Log in to the StuffIt Expander website
Use the URL https://my.smithmicro.com/stuffit-expander-mac.html and your computer's internet browser. StuffIt Expander is a free program and is also compatible with a large number of compressed file formats, including RAR files.
Step 2. Download the StuffIt Expander installation file
Follow these instructions:
- Enter your e-mail address in the "Email *" text field;
- Click on the button FREE Download;
- Click on the link Download.
Step 3. Install StuffIt Expander
Double click on the DMG file you just downloaded, click on the button Agree when prompted, then wait for the installation to finish.
You may need to authorize the installation of the program, as it comes from a third party source
Step 4. Start StuffIt Expander
Double-click the program icon.
If required click on the button You open.
Step 5. Click the Move to Applications Folder button
This will complete the installation of StuffIt Expander and will be able to access the user interface. Now you can use the app to unzip RAR archives.
Step 6. Click on the StuffIt Expander menu
It is located in the upper left of the screen. A list of options will be displayed.
Step 7. Click on Preferences…
It is one of the options listed in the drop-down menu StuffIt Expander.
Step 8. Click on the Advanced tab
It is located at the top of the "Preferences" window.
Step 9. Scroll down the list and click on the RAR entry
It is displayed in the center of the window.
Step 10. Click on the Assign to StuffIt Expander option
It is located on the right side of the window. In this way, the StuffIt Expander program will be able to open RAR files stored on the Mac.
Step 11. Close the "Preferences" window
To do this, click on the red button located in the upper left corner of the window.
Step 12. Double-click the icon of the RAR file you want to open
The StuffIt Expander program should start automatically and proceed to decompress the selected RAR file.
- If StuffIt Expander does not start, select the icon of the RAR file to open with the right mouse button (or use the single mouse button while holding down the "Ctrl" key), then choose the item Open with from the menu that will appear and finally click on the option StuffIt Expander.
- If you are trying to decompress a multivolume RAR archive (ie that has been split into multiple files), open the file with the ".rar" or ".part001.rar" extension. Remember that all the files that make up the RAR archive must be stored in the same folder.
- If access to the RAR archive is protected by a password, you will be asked to type it before the data extraction procedure starts.
Step 13. Open the extracted files from the RAR archive
By default, StuffIt Expander extracts and stores the files present in the RAR archive in the same folder where the latter is saved. For example, if the original RAR file is stored on the Mac desktop, its contents will be extracted and saved in the same folder.
