Mac Tutorials
How to Open .RAR Files on Mac: Easy Guide for Raw Files Extraction
In this article, we are going to explore how to open .RAR files on Mac 🍎. If you’re dealing with raw files on your Mac and are struggling to unzip them, you’re not alone. Mac OS does not have a native way to unzip .RAR files. This commonly leads to a scenario where your field attempts to open in a VLC media player or another unsuitable application. But don’t worry—we got this sorted out! 😉 We will outline two different methods to get the job done: the easy way using an application, and a more geeky way via terminal using Homebrew. Let’s dive in!
Method 1: Using The Unarchiver ApplicationMethod 2: Using Terminal with Homebrew
The first way to open .RAR files on your Mac is by using a free application called The Unarchiver. You can find this in the App Store and it is one of the most popular tools for unzipping files for Mac, relied upon by many long-time Mac users👍. Once you’ve installed it, here’s how to unzip the raw file:
1. Once installed, open the application, which will direct you to the Preferences.
2. In Preferences, select the types of archives and files you’d like to open. Make sure to select .RAR files 📂.
3. After prompting, make changes at the Mac OS level, not via the Unarchiver’s preferences.
4. Right-click on your .RAR file and select Get Info.
5. In the section that says ‘Open With’, change the default to The Unarchiver.
6. Now, every .RAR file on your computer will, by default, open with The Unarchiver.
Once you open the .RAR file, it will ask you where you want to extract the contents. Choose your prefered file location and extract 🚀. There you have it—a folder with the contents of your unzipped .RAR file.
For the tech-savvy or the simply curious, here’s how you can unzip .RAR files via terminal using Homebrew:
1. Open up Terminal.
2. Paste the command line from the Homebrew website into Terminal and hit enter to install Homebrew.
3. You may need to enter your password to continue installation ⌨.
4. Once the Homebrew has been installed, you’ll need to install the unar (unarchive) component.
5. If you encounter any permission issues, you may need to copy and paste specific lines of code from Terminal and then attempt the installation again.
6. To unzip your .RAR file, enter ‘unar’, hit space, then drag your .RAR file into Terminal and hit enter.
7. Your unzipped files will be found in the home folder rather than on your desktop.
Conclusion: 🏁
And so, these are the two primary methods of extracting .RAR files on Mac OS 🌟! Whether you prefer the handy The Unarchiver application or fancy to venture into the world of Terminal commands and give Homebrew a shot, unzipping .RAR files on your Mac is a breeze. We hope you found this article helpful! For more tech tips and tutorials, stay tuned! 🚀
FAQ
What is a .RAR file?
A .RAR file is a compressed file format that can contain numerous files and directories within it. It’s a popular format for sharing large files over the internet.
How can I open a .RAR file on my Mac?
To open a .RAR file on a Mac, you will need a program like Unarchiver or WinRAR which can extract the files for you.
Is it safe to open .RAR files on a Mac?
Yes, it is safe to open .RAR files on a Mac, so long as you are sure of the file’s source. If it’s from an unknown or suspicious source, there may be risks involved.
Can I open .RAR files on Mac without any special software?
No, Mac does not natively support .RAR file extraction. You will need to download and install a third-party app like Unarchiver or WinRAR.
What is ‘extraction’ in the context of .RAR files?
Extraction refers to the process of opening a .RAR file and accessing the individual files contained within it.
Why would someone use a .RAR file?
.RAR files compress data, which can significantly reduce file size. This is particularly useful when sending large files over the internet.
What are some good apps for opening .RAR files on a Mac?
Unarchiver and WinRAR are two popular options for opening .RAR files on a Mac.
Are these apps free to use?
Unarchiver is a free tool while WinRAR provides a trial period, after which a purchase is required.
How long does it take to open a .RAR file?
The time it takes to open a .RAR file depends on the size of the file and the speed of your computer. Generally, it should take just a few minutes.
Can I open .RAR files on my Mac with WinZip?
Yes, WinZip is also capable of opening .RAR files, as well as other compressed file formats.
How do I download and install the Unarchiver tool?
You can download The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store. Once downloaded, open the app to install, then follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
Will opening a .RAR file harm my computer?
Opening a .RAR file will not harm your computer unless the file contains malicious software. It’s always important to ensure your files come from trusted sources.
What file types can Unarchiver and WinRAR extract?
In addition to .RAR files, Unarchiver and WinRAR can also handle other compressed file formats like .ZIP, .7Z, and .TAR.
What does ‘raw files extraction’ mean?
‘Raw files extraction’ typically refers to the process of extracting files from their original, ‘raw’ format into a format that’s more easily used or viewed.
How do I use the Unarchiver tool to open a .RAR file?
After downloading and setting up Unarchiver, simply right click on the .RAR file and select ‘Open With > The Unarchiver’.
Why would a .RAR file fail to open on my Mac?
A .RAR file may fail to open if it is corrupt, if you do not have the appropriate software to open it, or if there is a problem with your system.
What do I do if the .RAR file is password protected?
If a .RAR file is password protected, you will need to enter the correct password in order to open the file.
Why does my Mac say .RAR files are ‘unsupported’?
Your Mac may say .RAR files are ‘unsupported’ because the macOS does not natively support opening .RAR files. You need to install third-party software, like Unarchiver or WinRAR, to open them.
Can I create .RAR files on my Mac?
Yes, using a tool like WinRAR or RAR for Mac, you can compress your files into .RAR format on your Mac.
What is the .RAR file extension equivalent on Mac?
The equivalent file extension on Mac would be .ZIP, which is natively supported by macOS for compression and extraction.
What to do when .RAR file fails to open with Unarchiver or WinRAR?
If a .RAR file fails to open with either of these applications, it may be corrupt. As a last resort, you could try opening it with another application, or consider downloading the file again.
Are there online tools for opening .RAR files?
Yes, there are online tools that can open .RAR files. However, you should be careful when uploading files to any website, as it could pose security risks.
How can I convert .RAR files into .ZIP files on my Mac?
You can convert .RAR files to .ZIP files on your Mac by first extracting the RAR file with a tool like Unarchiver or WinRAR, and then compressing the extracted files or folders into a .ZIP file using the built-in compression features of macOS.
Is there a limit to the file size of a .RAR file that can be opened?
The file size limit for a .RAR file depends on the application you’re using to open it. Most modern applications should be able to handle large .RAR files, but you could encounter issues with extremely large files.
Can other types of compressed files be opened on Mac?
Yes, Mac natively supports several compressed file formats, such as .ZIP. Other formats, like .RAR and .7Z, require third-party software.
Is WinRAR the same as RAR?
WinRAR is the Windows version of the RAR archiver, a powerful tool which allows you to create, manage, and control archive files.
Can I preview contents of a .RAR file without extracting it on my Mac?
Yes, some applications, like WinRAR, allow you to preview the contents of a .RAR file without fully extracting it.
How can I associate .RAR files with a certain application on my Mac?
You can associate .RAR files with a certain application by right-clicking on the .RAR file, selecting ‘Get Info’, and then choosing your preferred application from the ‘Open With’ dropdown menu. Click ‘Change All…’ to apply this to all .RAR files.
Why can’t I extract a .RAR file even after entering the correct password?
If you’re unable to extract a .RAR file after entering the correct password, it’s possible that the file is corrupt.
How to handle ‘No Archive Found’ error when trying to open a .RAR file?
‘No Archive Found’ error generally occurs when the .RAR file is corrupt or incomplete. You might need to download the file again or ask the sender to re-send it.
Is it possible to recover a corrupt .RAR file?
Recovering a corrupt .RAR file can be challenging. Some tools claim to repair corrupt .RAR files, but success is not guaranteed.