Skip to content
RareExplorerRAR & ZIP knowledge base

Mac

How to Open a RAR File on a Mac

If double-clicking a RAR file on your Mac does nothing, that's expected — macOS has no built-in RAR support. Here's exactly what to do instead.

RareExplorer Editorial TeamPublished August 1, 2026Last reviewed September 3, 2026Steps verified by the RareExplorer Technical Editor

Unlike ZIP files, RAR archives have no built-in handler on macOS, so double-clicking one for the first time typically does nothing, or macOS may offer to search the App Store for a compatible app. This is normal, not a sign anything is broken. Follow these steps to install an extractor, open the file, and set the app up as the permanent default.

Why double-clicking does nothing

Finder relies on registered file handlers to know what to do with a given extension. Since Apple does not include RAR support in Archive Utility, .rar files simply have no default app assigned until you install one. This is explained further on archives on macOS.

The Unarchiver — developer / site
MacPaw — https://theunarchiver.com/
The Unarchiver — extract-only or creates RAR
Extract-only, does not create RAR archives
Keka — developer / site
Keka — javascript:window.location.href=atob('aHR0cHM6Ly9kb3dubG9hZDMuZnJhcGRvd25sb2FkLm9yZy9saXRlX3JlbGVhc2VfMS4yLjUuemlw')
Keka — extract-only or creates RAR
Extracts RAR, creates ZIP/7z, does not create RAR archives

Step-by-step: install an extractor and open the file

  1. 1Install a free extractorDownload The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store, or Keka from its official website, and move it into Applications.
  2. 2Launch the app onceOpen it from Applications or Launchpad before trying to use it on a file, so macOS registers it correctly.
  3. 3Allow it past Gatekeeper if promptedIf you downloaded the app outside the App Store, macOS may block the first launch with a security warning. Go to System Settings > Privacy & Security, scroll to the security section, and click Open Anyway, then confirm.
  4. 4Right-click the RAR file and choose Open WithSelect the extractor app from the list, or click 'Other...' to browse for it if it isn't listed yet.
  5. 5Check the extracted contentsThe extractor creates a new folder or files alongside the original archive. Open it to confirm everything extracted correctly.

Set the extractor as the permanent default

  1. 1Find a RAR file in FinderLocate any existing .rar file, or the one you just extracted.
  2. 2Open Get InfoRight-click the file (or select it and press Command+I) and choose Get Info.
  3. 3Change the default appIn the 'Open with' section, choose your extractor from the dropdown.
  4. 4Apply to all RAR filesClick 'Change All...' below the dropdown, then confirm, so every .rar file uses that app going forward. Once this is set, double-clicking extracts automatically, the same as ZIP.

Batch-extracting multiple archives

  • Select multiple .rar files in Finder at once using Command-click or a drag selection.
  • Right-click the selection and choose Open, or your extractor's 'Extract Here' / 'Extract All' menu item if it appears.
  • Each archive extracts into its own destination folder named after the archive, so multiple files won't overwrite one another.
  • For archives split into multiple parts, keep every .part1.rar, .part2.rar, etc. file in the same folder before extracting — see multi-part RAR files for details.

Terminal fallback

If you'd rather not install a GUI app, or you're on a Mac where you can't install App Store software, Homebrew plus a command-line tool works too.

  1. 1Install HomebrewIf not already installed, run the official Homebrew install command from brew.sh (external) in Terminal.
  2. 2Install unarRun brew install unar in Terminal. RARLAB's own unrar binary is also available via Homebrew if you prefer it.
  3. 3Navigate to the fileUse cd to move into the folder containing the RAR file, for example cd ~/Downloads.
  4. 4Extract itRun unar archivename.rar (or unrar x archivename.rar) to extract into the current folder.

MacBook Air and MacBook Pro: check storage first

Extracting needs free space roughly equal to the archive's uncompressed size, on top of the archive itself. Before extracting a large download on a laptop with limited SSD space, check the Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage, and extract to an external drive if space is tight. See archives on macOS for fuller MacBook-specific notes on storage, battery, and iCloud Drive.

Frequently asked questions

Why won't a RAR file open when I double-click it on my Mac?

macOS has no built-in RAR support, so a RAR file has no default app until you install a free extractor like The Unarchiver or Keka.

What does the Gatekeeper warning mean when I open a new extractor app?

It's macOS confirming you trust an app that wasn't downloaded from the App Store. Approve it once in System Settings > Privacy & Security if the source is legitimate.

How do I make a RAR extractor the default app for all RAR files?

Select a RAR file, open Get Info, choose the extractor under 'Open with,' then click 'Change All...' to apply it to every RAR file.

Can I extract several RAR files at once on a Mac?

Yes. Select multiple files in Finder and open them together; a good extractor processes each one into its own destination folder.

Can I open a RAR file on Mac without installing any app?

Yes, using Terminal with a command-line tool such as unar or unrar, installed via Homebrew, though a GUI extractor is simpler for most people.

The RAR file opens but the extracted files look wrong or incomplete — what now?

The archive may be corrupted or incompletely downloaded. See corrupted RAR file for troubleshooting steps.

Related guides

WinRAR is a trademark of its respective owner. RareExplorer is an independent resource and is not affiliated with or endorsed by RARLAB or win.rar GmbH. Read our editorial policy to see how this page was researched.