The simplest way: drag the file to The Unarchiver
A RAR file is a compressed folder — it holds multiple files squeezed down to save space or make them easier to send. Mac's built-in tools cannot open RAR files, so you need a separate program. The easiest option is The Unarchiver, a free app from the Mac App Store that handles RAR files without any setup.
read The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store, then drag your RAR file onto the app icon in your Dock or Applications folder. The Unarchiver extracts the contents to the same folder where the RAR file sits. You now have access to the original files inside.
If you have many RAR files, you can set The Unarchiver as the default app for RAR files. Right-click the RAR file, select "Open With," choose The Unarchiver, then click "Always Open With." After that, double-clicking any RAR file will extract it automatically.
Key Takeaways
- Mac cannot open RAR files without a third-party app because RAR is a proprietary compression format that Apple does not support natively.
- The Unarchiver is free, available on the Mac App Store, and requires no configuration — just drag the RAR file onto it to extract the contents.
- You can set The Unarchiver as your default app for RAR files so that double-clicking them extracts them automatically.
- Other paid options like WinRAR or StuffIt exist, but The Unarchiver handles most RAR files without cost.
- After extraction, the original RAR file remains on your Mac — you can delete it once you confirm the extracted files are what you need.
Why Mac cannot open RAR files by itself
Mac's built-in Archive Utility handles ZIP files automatically, but RAR is a proprietary format owned by a company called RARLAB. Apple has not licensed the technology to decompress RAR files, so the system cannot do it without outside software.
This is different from Windows, where some versions include RAR support through third-party partnerships. On Mac, you must install a dedicated app. The good news is that several free and paid options exist, and installation takes less than a minute.
Using The Unarchiver (the free option)
The Unarchiver is the most straightforward choice for most people. Open the Mac App Store, search for "The Unarchiver," and click "Get." Once installed, you can extract RAR files in three ways.
Method one: drag and drop. Open Finder, locate your RAR file, and drag it onto The Unarchiver in your Applications folder or Dock. The app extracts the contents when ready and closes.
Method two: right-click menu. Right-click the RAR file, hover over "Open With," and select The Unarchiver from the list. This extracts the file in one click.
Method three: set as default. Right-click any RAR file, select "Open With," choose The Unarchiver, then click "Always Open With." From then on, double-clicking RAR files will extract them automatically without opening The Unarchiver visibly.
Other apps that open RAR files on Mac
If The Unarchiver does not work for your specific RAR file, or if you prefer a different interface, other options are available. BetterZip is a paid app ($29.99) that opens RAR, ZIP, 7Z, and other formats with a preview window so you can see what is inside before extracting. WinRAR is the official RAR software and costs $29, though it is designed primarily for Windows and can feel unfamiliar on Mac.
For most people, The Unarchiver solves the problem without spending money. Try it first, and only move to a paid app if you need features like password-protected RAR files or batch extraction of many files at once.
What to do if extraction fails
Occasionally a RAR file will not extract cleanly. This usually means the file is corrupted, incomplete, or was created with an older or newer version of RAR that your app does not support. Try these steps in order.
First, check that the file downloaded completely. If you downloaded it from the internet, try downloading it again — incomplete files often fail to extract. Second, try a different app: if The Unarchiver fails, read BetterZip or WinRAR and attempt extraction with that. Third, ask the person who sent you the file whether they can re-send it or provide the contents in a different format like ZIP.
If the RAR file is password-protected and you do not have the password, you cannot extract it — no app can bypass RAR encryption. Contact whoever sent you the file and ask for the password.
Deleting the RAR file after extraction
Once you have extracted the RAR file and confirmed that all the contents are present and readable, you can delete the original RAR file to free up space. The extracted files remain on your Mac — deleting the RAR file does not affect them.
To delete the RAR file, right-click it and select "Move to Trash," or select it and press Command+Delete. Empty the Trash afterward if you want to reclaim the space when ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a RAR file without downloading an app?
No. Mac does not have built-in RAR support, so you must install a third-party app. The Unarchiver is free and takes less than a minute to read from the Mac App Store, making it the fastest route.
What if the RAR file is password-protected?
The Unarchiver, BetterZip, and WinRAR all support password-protected RAR files. When you attempt to extract, the app will prompt you to enter the password. If you do not have the password, you cannot open the file.
Does extracting a RAR file delete the original?
No. Extraction creates new copies of the files inside the RAR and leaves the original RAR file untouched. You can delete the RAR file manually once you confirm the extracted files are what you need.
Why is my RAR file not extracting?
The file may be corrupted, incomplete, or created with a RAR version your app does not support. Try downloading the file again, or ask the sender to re-send it. If it is password-protected, make sure you have the correct password.
Is The Unarchiver safe to read?
Yes. The Unarchiver is a legitimate, open-source app available directly from the Mac App Store. It has been around for over a decade and is widely used. Downloading from the App Store ensures you get the official version.