This article will show you how to extract files from an archive (namely, open a RAR file) on a Mac computer. This can be done using the free Unarchiver app. If for any reason you are unable to install the Unarchiver, use the free StuffIt Expander program.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: The Unarchiver
Step 1. Install the Unarchiver app
It will open the RAR file. To install this program:
- on your computer, open the App Store app
-
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- click on the search bar in the upper right part of the App Store window;
- in the search bar enter unarchiver and press ⏎ Return;
- click "Download" under "Unarchiver";
- click "Install" under "Unarchiver" when prompted;
- enter your Apple ID password when prompted.
Step 2. Open Launchpad
Click on the rocket-shaped icon in the dock (at the bottom of the screen).
Step 3. Click on Unarchiver to launch this program
If prompted, indicate if you want the files to always be extracted to the same folder, or if the program will always ask you for the destination folder
Step 4. Go to the Formats tab
It's at the top of the window.
Step 5. Check the box next to "RAR"
The Unarchiver will now be able to open RAR files.
Step 6. Select the RAR file
Navigate to the folder with the desired RAR file and click on it.
If you need to open a multivolume archive, click on the file with the extension ".rar" or ".part001.rar". Remember that all archive volumes must be in the same folder
Step 7. Click on File
This menu is at the top of the screen.
In some cases, just double-click the RAR file and it will open in the Unarchiver. This may not work if there are several archiving programs installed on the computer that can work with RAR files
Step 8. Select Open with
This option is on the File menu. A window will open.
Step 9. Click on the Unarchiver
You will find this option in the menu. The RAR file will open in the Unarchiver and the files will be extracted to the same folder as the archive.
If the RAR file is password protected, enter the password to unpack the archive
Step 10. Open the extracted file (s)
By default, the files will be extracted to the folder with the RAR file. For example, if the archive is in the Desktop folder, the extracted files can be found in that folder.
Method 2 of 2: StuffIt Expander
Step 1. Open the StuffIt Expander website
Go to http://my.smithmicro.com/stuffit-expander-mac.html in a computer web browser. StuffIt Expander is a free archiver that supports a wide variety of archive formats, including the RAR format.
Step 2. Download the StuffIt Expander program
For this:
- enter your email address in the Email field;
- click "FREE Download";
- click on "Download".
Step 3. Install StuffIt Expander
Double click on the downloaded DMG file, click "Accept" and wait for the program to be installed.
You may need to authorize the installation of a program from an unknown developer
Step 4. Launch the StuffIt Expander program by double clicking on its icon
If prompted, click on “Open”
Step 5. Click Move to Applications Folder
The StuffIt Expander window will open; now it can be used to unpack RAR archives.
Step 6. Click on StuffIt Expander
This menu is in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 7. Click Preferences
You will find this option in the StuffIt Expander menu.
Step 8. Click the Advanced tab
It's at the top of the Preferences window.
Step 9. Scroll down and press RAR
You will find this option in the middle of the window.
Step 10. Click Assign to StuffIt Expander
It's on the right side of the window. StuffIt Expander will now be able to open RAR files.
Step 11. Close the StuffIt Expander window
Click on the red button in the upper left corner of the window.
Step 12. Double click on the RAR file
The window of the StuffIt Expander archiver will open and the extraction of files from the RAR archive will begin.
- If the StuffIt Expander archiver does not start, right-click (or Control-hold and left-click) the RAR archive and select Open With> StuffIt Expander.
- If you need to open a multivolume archive, click on the file with the extension ".rar" or ".part001.rar". Remember that all archive volumes must be in the same folder.
- If the RAR file is password protected, enter the password to unpack the archive.
Step 13. Open the extracted file (s)
By default, the files will be extracted to the folder with the RAR file. For example, if the archive is in the Desktop folder, the extracted files can be found in that folder.