How to Open a .RAR File in MacOS

Nov 19, 2020

If you're using a Mac, then you likely have no way to unzip or open a .rar file. I ran into this issue when downloading a firmware update for my Ender 3 V2. There is software available to unzip the .rar files, but a lot of it costs money.

I found a free app for you to use!

What is a `.rar` file?

.Rar is short for Roshal Archive and is a data compression file similar to a ZIP file.

And here's how you can open them on a Mac!

The Unarchiver

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Head over to the Apple app store.
Search for "The Unarchiver."
Select The Unarchiver.
Click Get to download the app.

Follow the on-screen instructions to install the app.

Check the box next to the file types you wish to open with The Unarchiver.

You may need to perform additional steps depending on the file type. The Unarchiver will prompt you with those steps if necessary.

Make sure you check RAR Archive to allow it to open a .rar file.

If the .rar file does not automatically associate with The Unarchiver:

Right-click the file.
Select Open With.
Choose The Unarchiver.

The Unarchiver will unzip and open the selected file in the same folder.

To always open a file with The Unarchiver

Right-click the file.
Select Get Info.
Choose Open with.
Set The Unarchiver to be the default.

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Michael (175)

Nov 19, 2020

2 minutes

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