Source: https://mactoolbox.app/how-to-open-rar-and-7z-files-on-mac

# How to open RAR and 7z files on Mac

By Nikhil Barik · Published November 3, 2026

## Quick answer

Double-click opens ZIP files in Finder, but not RAR or 7z. Drop the archive into Zip & Unzip in Toolbox and click Extract. Password-protected RAR and 7z archives cannot be opened by it.

## The built-in way: Finder

Finder's Archive Utility opens ZIP files when you double-click them. It does not open RAR or 7z archives. To create a ZIP in Finder, right-click files and choose Compress.

## The Toolbox way: Zip & Unzip

Zip & Unzip extracts RAR, 7z, ZIP, TAR, GZ, BZ2, XZ, ISO and other archives with the archive engine built into macOS, each one into its own folder. It also packs files and folders into a ZIP or TAR.GZ, with a password if you want one.

1. Open Zip & Unzip and drop your archives. Toolbox lists what is inside each one.
2. Leave Skip .DS_Store and __MACOSX on to drop Mac leftovers. If an archive needs a password, you will be asked for it.
3. Click Extract. Each archive is unpacked into its own folder inside a new dated folder in Downloads.
4. To make an archive, switch to Create, drop files or folders, pick ZIP or TAR.GZ, add a password if you like and click Create ZIP.

## Limits and tips

- Password-protected ZIPs work: Toolbox asks for the password. Password-protected RAR and 7z archives cannot be opened, because the archive engine built into macOS does not support their encryption. Use an app such as Keka or The Unarchiver for those.
- For a password-protected ZIP you make, AES-256 is strong but Finder's Archive Utility cannot open it. ZipCrypto opens almost anywhere but is easy to crack. File names inside stay visible either way.
- Toolbox warns you before extracting an archive that expands to an unusual size, which can be a sign of a zip bomb.

## Frequently asked questions

**How do I open a RAR file on a Mac?**

Drop the .rar file into Zip & Unzip and click Extract. The contents land in their own folder.

**Can it open password-protected archives?**

ZIPs, yes. Password-protected RAR and 7z cannot be opened, because the archive engine built into macOS does not support their encryption.

**How do I make a password-protected ZIP on Mac?**

Switch to Create, drop your files, turn on Protect with a password and choose AES-256 or ZipCrypto.

**Is it safe to extract archives from the internet?**

Toolbox never writes items that would land outside the archive's folder, and warns you before extracting an archive that expands to an unusual size.

## Tools mentioned

- [**Zip & Unzip**: Open ZIP, RAR, 7z and TAR files, or make a ZIP, with a password if you like.](https://mactoolbox.app/open-rar-files-mac)
- [**Find Duplicates**: Find identical files across folders and move the extras to the Trash.](https://mactoolbox.app/find-duplicate-files-mac)
- [**Batch Rename**: Rename many files at once with find and replace, numbering, dates or case changes.](https://mactoolbox.app/batch-rename-files-mac)

## Keep reading

- [Zip & Unzip](https://mactoolbox.app/open-rar-files-mac)
- [All guides](https://mactoolbox.app/guides)