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A Zip file is a compressed file format that can be used to store and transport large amounts of data. Zip files are often used to send large files over the internet or to store large amounts of data on a computer or other device.
According to our recent researching, there are a few different ways to open a Zip file on a Mac. One way is to double-click the Zip file, which will cause it to expand and reveal the contents of the file. Another way is to right-click (or Control+click) the Zip file and select "Open With." From the resulting menu, select the program you want to use to open the Zip file.
What Does Unzip File Mean?
Unzipping a file means to decompress or extract it so that you can access the contents. This is usually done by double-clicking on the zipped file, which will open it in a program like WinZip, 7-Zip, or PeaZip. From there, you can extract the files to a location of your choice.
Does Mac Automatically Unzip Files?
Mac did automatically unzipped files when you downloaded them from the internet in the past. This was a convenient feature that allows you to quickly accessed the contents of a zipped file without having to manually unzip it first.
However, there are some drawbacks to this feature as well. For example, if you accidentally download a malicious file that is disguised as a zip file, it will automatically be unzipped and executed on your machine without any warning. This could potentially lead to malware being installed on your system. Additionally, unzipping files can take up extra disk space and CPU resources, so it’s not always ideal.
But now, this feature is no longer supported since macOS Mojave. You have to unzip the files manually on new Macs.
Why Can’t I Unzip My File on Mac?
There could be several reasons why you are unable to unzip your file on Mac. The most common reason is that the file is corrupt or damaged. Another possibility is that the file is in a format that is not compatible with Mac. You need to check the format of the file and make sure it is compatible with Mac before trying to unzip it.
1. How to Unzip Files on Mac for Free with Default App
There are a few different ways to unzip files on a Mac, but the easiest is to use the built-in Archive Utility. This program is automatically included with macOS and can be found in the Utilities folder, which is located in the Applications folder.
To unzip a file on Mac using the Archive Utility, simply double-click on the zip file. This will open the file in a new window, and you can then extract the contents to a location of your choice.
You can also right-click on the zip file and select "Open With > Archive Utility" from the menu.
2. How to Unzip Files on Mac for Free in Terminal
Terminal app is a powerful tool that allows you to control your computer using text commands. The app is included with all versions of macOS and can be found in the Utilities folder within the Applications folder. It provides a command line interface (CLI) to the underlying Unix operating system. This allows you to enter text commands to perform tasks such as viewing and manipulating files, running programs, and accessing system settings.
While the Terminal app may seem daunting at first, it is actually quite easy to use. With a little practice, you’ll be able to perform all sorts of tasks from the comfort of your keyboard.
1. Download the desired .zip file to your Mac.
2. Open the Terminal application. You can find this in the Utilities folder in your Applications folder.
3. In the Terminal window, type "unzip" followed by a space, then drag the .zip file into the Terminal window. This will automatically insert the file’s pathname.
4. Press Enter. The unzipped files will be created in the same directory as the original .zip file.
3. Use Third-party Apps to Unzip Files on Mac
There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a third-party app to unzip files on your Mac. For one, the built-in macOS Archive Utility can be a bit finicky, and may not always work the way you want it to. Additionally, third-party apps usually offer a wider range of features and options, which can be helpful if you’re working with a lot of different types of archives
Keka
Keka is a file archiver and compressor for MacOS, developed by a team of volunteers. The software is free and open source, released under the GNU General Public License.
Keka is able to compress and decompress a variety of file formats, including ZIP, 7z, RAR, and tar. The software also supports password-protected archives and can be used to create self-extracting archives.
Keka is a simple, yet powerful, file archiver and compressor. The software is totally free, making it a great choice for those who are looking for a quality archiving tool without spending any money.
Pros:
-Free and open source
-Supports a variety of file formats
-Can create password-protected archives
-Can create self-extracting archives
Cons:
-Free and open source
-Less updates and bug fix
Unarchiver
There are a few different ways to unarchive files on a Mac, but one of the most popular is The Unarchiver. This program is free to download and use, and it can handle a wide variety of file formats.
The Unarchiver is very easy to use. Simply drag and drop the files you want to unarchive onto the program’s icon, and it will do the rest. The program can handle many different types of compressed files, including .zip, .rar, and .7z files.
One of the great things about The Unarchiver is that it can handle files that are password-protected. This is a great feature if you need to unarchive an encrypted file. So it is a great choice for anyone who needs to unarchive files on a Mac. The program is free to download and use, and it is very easy to use. The program can handle a wide variety of file formats, and it can even handle password-protected files.
Pros:
-The Unarchiver is free to download and use
-The Unarchiver is very easy to use
-The Unarchiver can handle a wide variety of file formats
-The Unarchiver can even handle password-protected files
Cons:
-Speed is a bit slow
-No advanced functions such as encryption
WinZip for Mac
If you are a Mac user, then you know that there are not many options when it comes to zip programs. WinZip is one of the few options available and it is a very good option. WinZip for Mac is easy to use and has a lot of features that make it a great choice for zip programs.
One of the best features of WinZip for Mac is that it is very easy to use. The interface is very straightforward and easy to understand. You can easily create and extract zip files with just a few clicks. The program also has a lot of features that make it a great choice for zip programs. For example, you can password protect your zip files, which is a great way to keep your confidential files safe.
Another great feature of WinZip for Mac is that it can handle a variety of file formats. This means that you can use it to zip up files that are in different formats, such as PDF, Word, Excel, and more. This is a great feature if you work with a lot of different file types.
Overall, WinZip for Mac is a great choice for a zip program. It is easy to use, has a lot of features, and can handle a variety of file formats. If you are looking for a zip program for Mac, then WinZip is a great option.
Pros:
-Easy to use
-Has a lot of advanced features
-Can handle a variety of file formats
Cons:
-Not totally free
Commander One
Commander One is a dual-pane file manager for Mac that comes with a plethora of features and a clean, intuitive interface. It lets you browse your files in a variety of ways, including list view, column view, and cover flow view. You can also preview files in the built-in Quick Look feature.
Commander One also lets you compress and extract files, as well as create disk images. It supports a variety of file formats, including ZIP, RAR, and ISO. You can also password-protect your files for added security. It also comes with a built-in FTP client so you can easily transfer files to and from your server. It also supports SFTP and FTPS for added security. You can even connect to your server using SSH for added security.
In addition, Commander One also supports cloud storage services such as Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive. You can easily connect to your account and access your files from within the app.
Commander One is a great file manager for Mac that comes with a wide range of features. It’s easy to use and comes with a clean, intuitive interface. It’s a great choice for power users who need a robust file manager with a wide range of features.
Pros:
– Dual-pane file manager
– Clean, intuitive interface
– Supports a variety of file formats
– Built-in FTP client
– Supports SFTP and FTPS
– Supports cloud storage services
– Password-protect files for added security
Cons:
– Some features require a subscription
– Not as many features as some other file managers
What is the Best Unzip App for Mac?
For basic needs, the best third-party app for unzipping files on Mac is The Unarchiver, which is available for free on the Mac App Store. The Unarchiver is a very powerful app that can handle a wide variety of archive formats, and it’s also very easy to use.
Another popular option is Keka, which is also available for free on the Mac App Store. Keka is a bit more powerful than The Unarchiver, and also offers a few more advanced features, such as the ability to password-protect archives.
If you’re looking for a more full-featured solution, there are a number of paid options available as well. One of the most popular is Commander One, which costs $29.99. StuffIt Expander can handle a wide variety of archive formats, and also offers a number of features that aren’t available in the free apps, such as the ability to automatically expand archives when they’re downloaded.
No matter which app you choose, unzipping files on your Mac is a pretty straightforward process. In most cases, you can just double-click on the archive file and the app will take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you get 7zip on Mac?
Yes, you can get 7zip on Mac. But there is no graphics user interface for this app. You can only use it in a console.
Does WinZip work on Mac?
Yes, WinZip works on Mac. There is a Mac version of WinZip you can download and use.
What is unzip command?
The unzip command is a utility for extracting files from ZIP archive files.
Can WinRAR on Mac?
There is no official WinRAR for Mac, but there are a few ways to open RAR files on a Mac. The easiest way is to use an app like Unarchiver, which can be downloaded for free. Once you've downloaded and installed Unarchiver, simply double-click the RAR file you want to open, and it will automatically be extracted.
Summary
You can follow the suggestions we list above to freely unzip files on a Mac. Those are valid solutions that you can use on the latest macOS Ventura and Macs with Apple M2 chip.