Oftentimes, when you download files from the internet, you may find out they are compressed. Such files allow for sending multiple pictures or documents in one go. Various OS offer different applications for the purposes of compressing and decompressing files.
Unfortunately, if the compressed file has .sit formatting, you will not be able to decompress it with a default app, so you will have to use third-party apps like Stuffit. You can download a free version of the application from the official website.
how can i open a zip file on a mac
Sometimes, you might need password protection for your zipped files to prevent unauthorized access. There are two options to make a password-protected file. The first option is to use the Terminal. If you are familiar with the command line you can type in zip -e archivename.zip filetoprotect.txt, then enter and verify the password.
Commander One. As a file manager, the app can also work with archived files. It is considered to be one of the best archiving utilities for macOS. Users can define the degree of condenseness of archive format (.zip, .zt, .tgz etc.).
WinZip. This is a multifunctional application, which a lot of Mac users should have on their computers. Besides unzipping files on Macs, it can convert Microsoft Office documents into a PDF format.
Archiver. This powerful app can offer great functionality and a user-friendly interface. The app can both archive and unzip files, as well as break them into parts. Archiver can deal with more than 30 file formats.
Keka. This extremely simple archiving app works with many formats. A useful option is to make it a default archiving app that is launched by double-clicking. In this case, you will definitely know how to extract zip files on Mac.
Archives and compressed files are very common. They take up less space, making it easier to send by mail and store. The most popular archive formats are RAR and ZIP, but there are many other formats nonetheless.
ZIP files, like other archive file formats, compresses files and/or folders into a single file for easy and convenient transfer. It is a lossless way to archive files and folders. ZIP supports various compression rates, offers password protection, and lets you add comments as well. To access the content of the Zip archive, you need to extract its contents.
The easiest way to open a .zip file is to double-click on it and your computer will show you the folders and files hidden inside. Most operating systems, including Windows and macOS, handle ZIP files normally, without the need for any additional software.
When it comes to unzip files Mac users can rely on the built-in Mac Archive Utility that is capable of creating and decompressing .zip files. But if you are looking for additional functionality, or need to unpack formats like RAR, 7Z, and others, you can always go to third-party apps.
As we mentioned earlier, Archive Utility allows unzipping files simply by double-clicking on them. Besides, you can launch this file compressor for Mac separately and get more decompression options. To call up the Archive Utility preferences, follow these steps:
Opening zipped files on Mac is as easy as double-clicking. You can also set parameters and get more decompression options. However, Mac users sooner or later still wonder how to unzip files, since the built-in archive utility does not support all extensions. Therefore, if, for example, you need to unpack the RAR archive, you need to find a reliable application.
Right click the zip file attachment in your email and download, then choose the folder on your computer where you wish to save it. On a Mac, if you received a .zip file as an email attachment, double-click to open it and then save it to the computer folder of your choice.
Using zip files is an essential part of digital file management and organization, including digitizing old media. If you have any questions or need additional help on this topic or others, we encourage you to read our FAQ or contact us at 1-866-234-3909. One of our friendly customer support staff will be happy to assist you.
When Phil Katz invented the Zip file format over 30 years ago, it's highly arguable if he ever imagined his invention would see such profound and widespread use. Zipping files for Mac entails you take several files and compress them into a single file, all the while reducing the overall size of the resultant single file. How convenient is that?
Zip is simply a data archive and compression format. Rar is very similar to the Zip but they are quite different too. For one, Zip files were invented long before Rar, meaning there are more software out there capable of opening and decompressing Zip files because it is a standard file format.
Along the same vein, compatibility is also a difference. Because the Zip format is older, both Windows and Mac come pre-installed with software that is capable of opening it. The same can't be said for the Rar format because it often requires third-party software to be opened. The Zip file format is a free and open-source, making it more popular. Thus, the majority of users have software that can open Zip files primarily. And when it comes to the archive creation process, its speed is relatively faster than that of the Rar format.
You might ask yourself if knowing how to create and open Zip files are really worth taking the time out to know. Well, ask yourself these questions too: Don't you want to reduce email-transmission time? And wouldn't it be great to save many emails despite your mailbox's space limit? What about the time it takes to upload or download files via the web?
Zipping a file on Mac gives you great solutions to these questions. It uses a native tool called "Archive Utility" that does the job for you. There are several ways to the Zip file on Mac. Some are free but there are paid options too (third-party software). Only the free solutions will be given out to you today, though. You're welcome.
7. A popup window will appear, prompting you to enter a password (you will have to enter the password twice; the second time will be for verification). Type in the secure password and click on "OK" or press "Enter/Return." Your Zipped files are now password-protected.
The internet of yesterday is not the same as the internet of today. More and more of the files uploaded to websites come in Zipped formats to make downloads faster and easier. So, what happens when you download these files but don't know your way around opening them? Bummer. That is just one reason why knowing how to open zip files on your Mac is now a necessity. But just like Zipping files, Unzipping them is quite easy too. There are, of course, different ways you can do that. Here are a few:
2. Double-click on the file. Because "Archive Utility" is integrated into your macOS, the Zipped file will automatically open up and dump the contents into a folder bearing its name; the folder will be in the same directory as the Zipped file too.
4. If the Zipped file is not located on your desktop, move it to the desktop because it makes things easier and faster for you. This is not necessary but it is advised, or else you have to type in the directory of the Zipped file before typing in its name. Like so:
Try as you may, it's almost impossible for you to use your Mac without Zipping your files for one reason or another. Even if you don't download much from the internet, it can be quite tempting to want to Zip your files simply because you're well aware it will save your hard drive much-needed space.
Likewise, it will be nearly impossible for you to not delete your Zipped files; again, for several reasons. Maybe you didn't do it intentionally, or maybe you did, but then you realize you want the Zipped files back for one or various reasons.
Look no further than Recoverit Mac Data Recovery to be your one and only savior. It comes loaded with features that thoroughly scan your drive for deleted Zipped files and recovers them back to their exact state. And this is all achieved with a few simple steps:
As to why the Zipped file got corrupted in the first place, it's possible the files within the Zip were already damaged; or an error occurred while downloading the file from the web. Below are common errors plaquing Zip files.
Unable To Expand Zip File on Mac - This error is mostly caused by an unstable internet connection. If your network keeps going on and off while you're downloading a Zipped file, the end result could be a corrupted archive.
Sometimes, even if you manage to completely download the Zipped file, don't be surprised to learn it's few megabytes short of the size it's supposed to be. Because of those missing megabytes, your entire Zipped file could be corrupted.
All the same, the most important thing for you here is to know how to repair corrupted Zipped files, isn't it? These errors can be fixed via Terminal or any decompression utility software, which of course will be a third-party software:
By now, you should fully agree with the infinite Mac users out there and on how significant Zip files are. No more are they deemed less important than other software. Indeed, the majority of websites hosting files do so with the files being Zipped.
What's more, you don't have to worry about the state of your Zipped files and the multitude of important files you have within them because of what Recoverit Mac Data Recovery can do for you. This software can be something of an "insurance" for your Zipped files. If anything befalls them, Recoverit will be there to help recover ZIP and RAR files.
It should, when you are in finder, try to open a zip file by double clicking it and it should extract with Archive Utility which is a built in program on MacOS. Here is a related article on Zipping and Unzipping files. 2ff7e9595c
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