While ZIP taps out at around 2 GB, RAR can take up to 8 EiB (the number so large it’s practically infinite). In terms of usability, RAR is not as popular as ZIP, but offers a better compression algorithm and, most importantly, works with large files. RAR itself is an acronym for Roshal Archive, as it was developed by a Russian software engineer Eugene Roshal. Unfortunately, you can’t open a RAR archive with Mac’s default tools due to the format’s closed proprietary nature. rar on Mac? Quickly Open RAR Files On Mac RAR, on the other hand, is a proprietary archiving format that requires a RAR opener for Mac to operate. ZIP has been around for more than 30 years and is easily readable by your Mac’s default archiving utility. There are literally dozens of archiving formats in existence, but it’s likely that you’ll only ever meet two: ZIP and RAR. This file format's primary purpose is data compression to save space.Ĭreating RAR files is only possible with licensed commercial software, like WinRAR for Windows or command-line RAR (also supports macOS) Eugene Roshal developed the format in 1993, and the name of the format is short for Roshal Archive.

The first goal relies heavily on a compression algorithm and thus differs from format to format, whereas the second goal is equally achievable by all popular archivers on the market. In general, archives help us achieve two essential goals: decrease file size and unite a group of files into a single package. But few of us stop and think why exactly do we do this. Occasionally, we might be even packaging and distributing archives ourselves. However, you can also use a third-party software, which has more advanced options.Compress and unpack any files on Mac with Archiver.Īll of us from time to time receive digital archive packages, whether they are downloaded online or get sent over by our friends. The built-in zip tools are sufficient for most needs. This will allow you to not only unzip and access files but also zip new files as well. The best way to zip a file on a Mac is with the Finder application. Its contents will be placed in a new folder that you can easily access and modify as needed. All you have to do is double-click on any compressed file you want to unzip. Unzipping a file is even easier than zipping one on a Mac.

Because Macs have tools built into the operating system, you may have never even noticed that a folder was actually zipped. You may have encountered a zip file after clicking a download link on the internet. This is not only a good way to combine many files, but it is also a good way to shrink the total file so that it is easier to transfer. If you’re unfamiliar, a zip file is a compressed file or a set of compressed files.

How to unzip a folder on mac