How to Unzip RAR Files on Mac for Free – 2024 Edition

Unzipping RAR files on a Mac can often be a challenge, especially when you’re dealing with large files or unfamiliar file formats. Fortunately, there are several methods available for extracting RAR files, each with its own pros and cons. In this blog post, we will explore four different methods to open RAR files on Mac, including the RAR command in Terminal, WinZip for Mac, MacPar deLuxe, and Parallels Toolbox for Mac.

Can You Unzip RAR Files on Mac by Default?

Unfortunately, there is no way to open a .rar file on Mac with shipped system utilities on Mac. In fact,  macOS does not have built-in support for opening RAR files by default. While macOS does provide native support for ZIP files, RAR is a different compression format and requires third-party software for extraction.

Option 1. How to Easily Unzip RAR Files on Mac with TunesBro FossZip

FossZip is a renowned application for macOS. Designed as a more robust and versatile alternative to macOS’s built-in Archive Utility, FossZip app boasts compatibility with file formats such as RAR, ZIP, 7-zip, Tar, Gzip, and many more, some of which are not natively supported by the operating system. Its minimalistic user interface is paired with powerful backend functionality.

Aside from its extensive format support, one of the standout features of The Unarchiver is its seamless integration with macOS. Once installed, it can automatically take over the role of the default extraction tool.

Here’s how you can use the FossZip app to unzip a RAR file on Mac:

1. Download and install TunesBro FossZip app from our website.

2. Launch FossZip and add a RAR file you want to unzip by clicking the ‘+’ button.

3. You will be asked to choose the destination folder to keep the extracted files. After that, the rar file will be unzipped automatically to target folder.

Pros:

1. Provides a user-friendly interface for openning RAR files.
2. Supports a wide range of file formats, including RAR, ZIP, and more.
3. Allows for encryption and password protection of extracted files.

Cons:

1. Requires installation of third-party software.
2. The free version of WinZip for Mac includes limited functionality.
3. May not be suitable for users who prefer open-source or free alternatives.

Option 2. How to Unzip RAR Files on Mac for Free Using Terminal

The unrar command is a command-line utility used to extract, view, and test the contents of archives in the RAR format, a popular compression format originally developed by Eugene Roshal. While macOS does not natively support RAR extraction, the unrar utility fills this gap by allowing users to handle RAR files via the Terminal. It’s worth noting that while the unrar tool can open RAR archives, it cannot create them.

Here’s how you can use the unrar command to freely unzip a RAR file on Mac:

1. Open Launchpad on your Mac and find the Terminal app.

2. One of the easiest ways to install unrar on a Mac is through Homebrew, a popular package manager for macOS. If you haven’t installed Homebrew yet, you can set it up from this guide.

3. Once Homebrew is installed, you can install unrar with the following command:

brew install unrar

4. Open the Terminal app, and navigate to the directory containing the RAR file using the cd command. For example:

cd /path/to/directory

Replace /path/to/directory with the actual path to where your RAR file is located.

5. To extract the contents of the RAR file, use the following command:

unrar x filename.rar

Replace filename.rar with the actual name of your RAR file. The x option opens the archive with full directory paths.

6. Once you’ve issued the extract command, unrar will proceed to unpack the contents of the RAR archive into the current directory (or a specified directory if you provide one).

Pros:

1. Does not require any additional software installation.
2. Allows for customization of extraction settings.
3. Can be used for automated extraction through scripts or batch processing.

Cons:

1. Syntax errors or incorrect commands may result in extraction issues.
2. Not suitable for users who prefer a graphical user interface (GUI).

Option 3. How to Unzip RAR Files on Mac Free via UNRAR Online

Unrar.online emerges as a cloud-based solution for users seeking a quick and straightforward way to extract RAR files without the need to install any software. Catering to an audience that often finds itself dealing with RAR archives but may not have a dedicated application on hand, this web-based platform provides a hassle-free approach to decompression. With the power of the internet, users from various operating systems, including macOS, can swiftly unpack their RAR files directly within their browsers, eliminating the traditional barriers posed by OS-specific tools.

With its intuitive interface and platform-agnostic design, unrar.online serves as a boon for those who need on-the-go RAR extraction without the confines of dedicated software. Let’s delve into the steps for using unrar.online to unzip RAR files on a Mac for free and subsequently discuss the pros and cons of this method.

1. Open your preferred browser and visit the unrar.online website. Look for a designated upload area on the website, which is often prominently displayed. You can drag and drop your RAR file into this area, or click on any prompts that allow you to browse and select the file from your computer.

2. Once the file is uploaded, the website will automatically begin the unzipping process. This might take a few moments, depending on the size of the RAR file.

3. After the extraction is complete, you will typically be presented with a link or button to download the extracted files to your Mac. Now, choose a location on your Mac to save the downloaded files.

Pros:

1. No need to install any software, which is great for one-time users.
2. Works across all platforms and operating systems, ensuring consistency.
3. User-Friendly Interface to make the extraction process straightforward.

Cons:

1. Takes more time to upload and download the RAR file.
2. Uploading files to an online service might raise privacy concerns, especially if the RAR contents are sensitive or personal.
3. File size limits for free users, which could be problematic for large RAR archives.

Option 4. How to Unzip RAR Files on Mac Free with MacPar deLuxe

MacPar deLuxe is a distinguished utility for macOS, tailored specifically for those who frequently engage with Usenet newsgroups or other servers where multi-part archives are prevalent. Rooted in the tradition of the classic "PAR" and "PAR2" file formats, MacPar deLuxe facilitates the verification, repair, and extraction of such segmented archives. It shines particularly in situations where users encounter incomplete or damaged multi-part sets, as the application harnesses the power of parity volumes to mend and restore the original files seamlessly.

What sets MacPar deLuxe apart is its meticulous blend of user-friendliness and raw functionality. With a design that echoes the intuitive nature of macOS, users can effortlessly manage and decode multi-part archives without delving into the complexities that often accompany such tasks. This blend of simplicity and potency has cemented MacPar deLuxe’s position as a go-to tool for many Mac users navigating the intricate world of segmented files and Usenet downloads.

Here’s how to use MacPar deLuxe to unzip RAR files on Mac:

1. Download and install MacPar deLuxe from the official website.

2. Launch MacPar deLuxe and select the PAR or PAR2 file associated with the RAR file you want to unzip.

3. Wait for MacPar deLuxe to complete the verification process.

4. If any errors are detected, MacPar deLuxe will provide options to repair the damaged files.

5. Once the verification and repair process is complete, you can open the RAR files using the built-in extraction feature.

Pros:

1. Specialized tool for repairing and extracting multi-part RAR archives.
2. Provides error detection and recovery functionality.
3. Supports customization of repair and extraction settings.

Cons:

1. PAR and PAR2 files are required for error detection and recovery.
2. Requires installation of third-party software.
3. May not be suitable for users who do not require error detection or recovery.

Option 5. How to Unzip RAR Files on Mac via Parallels Toolbox for Mac

Parallels Toolbox for Mac stands out as a versatile suite of utilities designed to enhance the efficiency and productivity of macOS users. Rather than being a singular tool, Parallels Toolbox consolidates a multitude of tasks—ranging from screen recording to file conversion—into a single, easily accessible interface. This innovative approach eliminates the need for multiple standalone applications, providing users with a one-stop solution for a plethora of everyday computing challenges.

Within its extensive set of tools, Parallels Toolbox includes a simple yet effective archiving utility. For users needing to handle RAR files, the process becomes straightforward: after launching Parallels Toolbox, one can easily locate and click on the ‘Unarchive’ tool. Users then select the desired RAR file or drag and drop it into the application. With a single click, Parallels Toolbox takes care of the extraction process, unzipping the RAR content and placing it in a specified location or alongside the original file. This seamless integration and user-friendly approach make Parallels Toolbox a preferred choice for many when it comes to managing compressed files on macOS.

Here’s how to use Parallels Toolbox for Mac to unzip .rar file on for free:

1. Download and install Parallels Toolbox for Mac from the official website.

2. Launch Parallels Toolbox and navigate to the "Archive" section.

3. Click on the "Unarchive" option.

4. Select the RAR file you want to unzip and choose the destination folder for the extracted files.

5. Click "Unarchive" to initiate the extraction process.

Pros:

1. Comprehensive suite of tools with a wide range of features.
2. Offers a user-friendly interface for extracting RAR files.
3. Includes additional tools for file management, screenshots, video conversion, and more.

Cons:

1. Requires installation of third-party software.
2. Parallels Toolbox is a paid software with a subscription-based pricing model.
3. May not be suitable for users who prefer free or open-source alternatives.

YouTube Video: How to Open Rar File on Mac

Bonus: Can I Use WinRAR in Mac?

Yes, you can use WinRAR on a Mac, but it’s not in the same format as the Windows version. The developers of WinRAR offer a command-line tool for macOS called "RAR for Mac OS X." This tool provides you with the capability to create and manage RAR archives, but it doesn’t have a graphical user interface like the Windows version.

If you’re comfortable using the command line, you can utilize "RAR for Mac OS X" for your RAR-related tasks. If you prefer a graphical user interface, you might want to look at the third-party applications I mentioned in the previous answer, like FossZip, which provide a more user-friendly way to handle RAR files on macOS.

FAQs about Unzipping RAR Files on Mac

Q1: Can I open RAR files using the built-in Archive Utility on Mac?

A: No, the Archive Utility on Mac does not support RAR files. You will need to use third-party software or other methods mentioned in this blog post.

Q2: Are there any free alternatives to WinZip for Mac?

A: Yes, there are several free alternatives to WinZip for Mac, such as The Unarchiver and Keka, which support RAR extraction.

Q3: Can I use Terminal to open other types of compressed files?

A: Yes, Terminal can be used to extract various types of compressed files, including ZIP, TAR, GZ, and more. You can use the appropriate command based on the file format.

Q4: Is it possible to open RAR files on Mac without installing any additional software?

A: Yes, you can use online file conversion tools or virtual machines to extract RAR files without installing additional software on your Mac.

Q5: Can I password protect the extracted files?

A: Yes, depending on the software you are using for extraction, you can often choose to password protect the extracted files for added security.

The Bottom Line

Navigating the world of compressed files on a Mac, particularly RAR archives, can initially appear daunting given macOS’s native lack of full RAR support. However, as we’ve explored, there are several accessible and free solutions tailored for Mac users. From command-line utilities like unrar to dedicated applications such as FossZip, and even to web-based platforms like unrar.online, Mac users are spoilt for choice in addressing their RAR extraction needs without incurring costs. While each solution has its unique strengths and potential limitations, the overarching takeaway is the democratization of tools in the digital age. Ultimately, while the Mac ecosystem may not support RAR files out of the box, free tools and platforms bridge this gap, ensuring users have the resources they need at their fingertips..