To share large files, the best format on the Internet is .rar which is used widely to share files like raw pictures, ISO images for games, large video files, etc. To see the content of the .rar ZIP file, you have to open the RAR file to see its content.
RAR is a file format used which can hold many files inside a folder in a compressed format. RAR file format is ideal for sharing or downloading a large number of files.
In the Windows operating system, you can use WinRar to extract the content of a .rar file, but in the case of Mac, how to open a .rar file?
By default, macOS doesn't come with any application or utility to decompress or open RAR files.
If you have a VLC player installed on your Mac, the RAR file will be shown as if it's a VLC media player-compatible file. But you cannot use a VLC player to open a .rar file, so don't try that.
To open a RAR file on your Macbook, you can use the Unarchiver application available for FREE for the Macbook. So let's first learn what is .rar file and how we can use it.
What is a Rar file?
A .rar file is a type of compressed archive file format commonly used for file compression and archiving purposes. The term "rar" is derived from the name of the software tool used to create and extract these files, which is called WinRAR. It is similar to other popular compression formats like .zip and .7z.
What are RAR files used for?
The main purpose of using .rar files is to reduce the size of one or multiple files, making them easier to store, transfer, and download. It employs advanced compression algorithms that can significantly reduce the file size without causing any loss of data. This is achieved by compressing the files into a more compact form using various techniques, such as removing redundant information and applying compression algorithms.
.rar files can contain multiple files and folders, allowing users to archive and compress a group of related files into a single package. This makes it convenient for organizing and sharing large amounts of data. Additionally, .rar files can be password-protected, providing an extra layer of security to sensitive information.
To access the contents of a .rar file, specialized software like WinRAR or other compatible file archivers is required. These programs allow users to extract the files from the .rar archive, restoring them to their original form.
How to Open a RAR File on Your Mac
Step 1. Download The Unarchiver App
You can download The Unarchiver app from the Apple play store or from the Unarchiver official website. You will get the .dmg file, double-click on it to mount it and start the installation.
Once you have installed The Unarchiver application, you can open it if it doesn't start automatically. When you first open the application you will get to choose what extensions you want The Unarchiver app to pick automatically to unarchive or extract.
Step 2. Open the .rar File
Once you have installed The Unarchiver application successfully, go to the .rar file location, and double-click on it to open it with The Unarchiver application. If that doesn't work, then right-click on the file, then select Open with... and click on The Unarchiver app option.
Step 3. It's done
Yes, after you select The Unarchiver application to open the .rar file, The Unarchiver app will take some time to open the RAR files depending upon its size. In the default setting, this application creates a new folder at the same location with all the content of the RAR file in the folder, if there are more than one file inside the RAR file.
Other Applications for opening RAR files on Mac:
WinZip is another good application that can also be used to open RAR files on Macbooks to unarchive and extract their content. The Winzip application works well with RAR files and it's super simple to use just like the 'The Unarchiver' application.
Conclusion:
Opening a RAR file on your MacBook running macOS doesn't have to be a daunting task. With the right tools and a few simple steps, you can easily access the contents of RAR archives and extract the files you need.
The .rar files are very commonly used to share large files over the Internet. From Game files to high-resolution raw camera pictures, videos, etc. are generally shared as a RAR file, to reduce the size of the file, which makes it easier to share and download.
Whether you choose to use third-party software or utilize the built-in tools, unlocking the content within RAR files is within your reach. So, go ahead and explore the world of compressed archives with confidence on your Macbook!
Freqtly Asked Questions(FAQs)
1. Can I open a RAR file on a MacBook without third-party software?
By default, macOS doesn't have native support for RAR files. Using third-party software like The Unarchiver or WinRAR is recommended for seamless RAR file extraction.
2. Are there any free alternatives to paid software for opening RAR files on a Macbook?
Yes, The Unarchiver is a popular free application available on the Mac App Store that can handle RAR files efficiently.
3. Can I create RAR files on a Macbook?
While macOS doesn't have built-in support for creating RAR files, you can still create RAR archives using third-party software like WinRAR or Keka.
4. What should I do if I encounter a password-protected RAR file on my Macbook?
If you come across a password-protected RAR file, you will need to obtain the password from the file's creator or owner in order to open it.
5. Is it possible to convert a RAR file to another file format on a Macbook?
RAR files are primarily used for compression and archiving purposes. To convert the files contained within a RAR archive, you need to extract them first and then convert them individually using the appropriate software for the desired file format.
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