Mac
RAR for Mac: How to Handle RAR Archives
There is no single official "RAR for Mac" app, but several reliable ways exist to open and, less commonly, create RAR archives on macOS.
Get an archive tool for your computer
Download the installer and start opening RAR, ZIP and 7z archives in a few minutes.
Because macOS does not include RAR support and RARLAB's WinRAR application does not exist for the Mac, the ecosystem of "RAR for Mac" tools is made up of independent extractors. This page compares the realistic options, from free menu-bar apps to command-line utilities.
Free GUI extractors
- The Unarchiver — a long-standing free app that adds RAR (and many other formats) support to Finder by registering itself as the default handler for
.rarfiles. - Keka — a free, open-source archive utility with a simple drag-and-drop window; it can extract RAR and create ZIP or 7z archives.
- Both apps integrate with Finder so that double-clicking a
.rarfile, or right-clicking and choosing Open With, extracts it without opening a terminal.
Command-line options via Homebrew
If you prefer the terminal, Homebrew can install unar (the command-line engine behind The Unarchiver) or RARLAB's own unrar binary. A typical extraction looks like unar archive.rar or unrar x archive.rar, run from the folder containing the file. This route is common for scripting, servers, or automated workflows rather than everyday desktop use.
Comparing the options
| Option | Install method | Can create RAR? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Unarchiver | Mac App Store / direct download | No | Everyday double-click extraction |
| Keka | Direct download / Homebrew cask | No | Extraction plus ZIP/7z creation |
| unrar (RARLAB) | Homebrew | No (extraction focus) | Terminal and scripting |
| Online extractors | None — browser only | No | One-off, small, non-sensitive files |
Online extractors: read the caveats first
Browser-based services that extract a RAR archive after you upload it, covered in more depth at unzip RAR online, can be convenient for a single small file. They generally cap file size, may take longer than local extraction, and mean uploading your file to a third-party server. They are not a good fit for sensitive documents, password-protected archives, or anything time-critical.
Which option to pick
For most people, installing The Unarchiver or Keka once and letting Finder handle RAR files from then on is simplest. For a guided setup, see setting up a RAR extractor on Mac. If you are specifically on a MacBook and worried about storage or battery use during extraction, RAR for MacBook covers those laptop-specific concerns. Windows users comparing platforms can see archive software for Windows.
Download and try it yourself
Install the archive tool and apply the steps from this guide on your own files.
Frequently asked questions
What is the easiest way to open a RAR file on a Mac?
Install a free extractor such as The Unarchiver or Keka, then double-click the RAR file in Finder as you would a ZIP file.
Do I need Homebrew to open RAR files on macOS?
No. Homebrew and the command line are only needed if you prefer terminal-based extraction or are scripting the process. Most users are better served by a GUI extractor.
Can I create a RAR archive on a Mac?
Only using RARLAB's command-line rar tool for macOS, since no Mac GUI application creates RAR files. See WinRAR for Mac for details on that tool.
Are online RAR extractors safe for a Mac?
They work for small, non-sensitive files, but your file is uploaded to a third-party server, so avoid them for anything private or password protected.
Related guides
- Archives on macOS: RAR, ZIP, and What Finder SupportsmacOS ships with solid built-in ZIP support but no native way to open RAR archives. Here is what Finder actually does, and where to go next.
- Setting Up a RAR Extractor on MacThis walkthrough installs a free extractor, makes it the default app for RAR files, and covers extracting single and multiple archives in Finder.
- WinRAR for Mac: The Honest AnswerSearching for "WinRAR for Mac" turns up a straightforward answer: the WinRAR application itself does not exist on macOS, but RARLAB does publish something else for the platform.
- How to Open a RAR File on a MacIf 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.
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.