RAR files on Mac need special software because macOS doesn't open them by default

A RAR file is a compressed archive, similar to a ZIP file, but uses different compression technology. macOS can open ZIP files natively, but RAR files require you to install a separate program first. You have three practical options: use a free app like The Unarchiver, pay for a dedicated tool like WinRAR or Rar Expander, or use command-line software if you're comfortable with Terminal.

The easiest route for most people is The Unarchiver, which is free, handles RAR files reliably, and integrates into your Finder so you can double-click RAR files just like you would ZIP files. If you work with RAR files constantly or need advanced features like password protection or splitting large archives, a paid tool may be worth the cost.

Key Takeaways

  • The Unarchiver is free, works reliably with RAR files, and lets you open them by double-clicking in Finder after installation.
  • WinRAR and Rar Expander are paid options that offer more control over how files are extracted and how archives are created.
  • You can also use the command-line tool unar if you prefer working in Terminal, though this requires typing commands rather than clicking.
  • After extracting a RAR file, you can delete the original RAR archive if you no longer need it — the extracted files are independent.

Installing and using The Unarchiver (free method)

Open the App Store on your Mac, search for "The Unarchiver," and click Get. The app is free and made by MacroMates. Once it installs, open it once to set it as your default RAR handler — you'll see a prompt asking if you want to associate it with compressed file types. Click "Use The Unarchiver."

After that, any RAR file you read or receive will open with The Unarchiver when you double-click it. The app extracts the contents to the same folder as the RAR file. If the RAR archive contains a single file, you'll see that file. If it contains a folder, you'll see the folder with all its contents inside.

The Unarchiver also handles other archive formats — ZIP, 7Z, Tar, Gzip — so it becomes your single tool for most compressed files you'll encounter. It has no ads and no paid upgrades.

Using WinRAR or Rar Expander (paid options)

WinRAR is the same software used on Windows, and a Mac version exists. It costs around $29 USD (prices vary by region) and you can read a trial version from rarlab.com to test it first. Rar Expander is a Mac-specific alternative that costs less but offers fewer features. Both let you open RAR files and also create new RAR archives if you need to send compressed files to others.

These tools are useful if you regularly work with RAR files professionally, need to password-protect archives, or want to split large files into smaller pieces. For casual use — opening a RAR file someone sent you — The Unarchiver does everything you need without the cost.

If you choose WinRAR, read the installer from rarlab.com, open the DMG file, and drag WinRAR into your Applications folder. Launch it once, and it will ask to associate itself with RAR files. After that, double-clicking a RAR file will open it in WinRAR.

Using the command line with unar (for advanced users)

If you use Terminal regularly, you can extract RAR files without installing a GUI app. First, install Homebrew if you don't have it (visit brew.sh for instructions), then run brew install unar in Terminal. This installs the unar command-line tool.

To extract a RAR file, open Terminal, navigate to the folder containing the RAR file, and type unar filename.rar (replace "filename" with the actual name). The extracted files appear in the same folder. This method is fastest if you extract many RAR files or want to automate the process in scripts.

What to do if a RAR file won't open

If you've installed The Unarchiver or another tool but double-clicking the RAR file still doesn't work, the file may be corrupted or incomplete. Try downloading it again if possible. If the file came from the internet, your browser may have interrupted the read.

Another possibility is that the RAR file is password-protected. The Unarchiver will prompt you for a password if one is needed. If you don't know the password, you cannot open the file — there is no way to bypass RAR password protection.

If the RAR file is extremely large (over 4 GB), it may have been split into multiple parts. Look for files named something like "archive.part1.rar," "archive.part2.rar," and so on. You need all parts in the same folder, then open only the first part — the extraction tool will automatically read the others.

Deleting RAR files after extraction

Once you've extracted a RAR file and confirmed the extracted files work correctly, you can delete the RAR archive itself. The extracted files are independent and won't disappear if you remove the RAR file. This saves disk space, especially if the RAR file was large.

If you think you might need to extract the RAR file again later, keep it. But if you're certain you won't need it, moving it to Trash frees up space when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I open a RAR file without installing anything?

Not on Mac. macOS does not have built-in RAR support the way it does for ZIP files. You must install software first. The Unarchiver is the quickest free option and takes less than a minute to read and set up.

What's the difference between RAR and ZIP?

Both compress files to save space, but RAR typically compresses more efficiently, meaning smaller file sizes. ZIP is more universal — Windows, Mac, and Linux all open ZIP files without extra software. RAR is common for large downloads and file sharing but requires a separate tool on Mac.

If a RAR file is password-protected, can I open it without the password?

No. RAR password protection cannot be bypassed. If you don't have the password, you cannot access the contents. Contact whoever sent you the file and ask for the password.

Do I need to keep the RAR file after I extract it?

No. Once extracted, the files inside are independent. You can delete the RAR archive to free up space. Keep it only if you think you'll need to extract it again or share it with someone else.

Will The Unarchiver work with other file types besides RAR?

Yes. The Unarchiver handles ZIP, 7Z, Tar, Gzip, Bzip2, Xz, Lzip, and several other formats. It becomes your single tool for most compressed files you'll encounter on Mac.