Second, the speed of the extraction belies the dangers of opening Web content. If you want to archive a file for a colleague, you will be constrained to Apple's built-in compression support (.zip), unless you download another archival utility. First, The Unarchiver, as suggested by its name, only works in one direction. The Unarchiver is just as fast as Apple's built-in utility, only more capable. Not only did The Unarchiver extract all the files, it did so with alacrity. I tested The Unarchiver using a half-dozen popular file types, including several Windows archives (.exe), several Mac archives (.rar), and a couple of zip files (.zip). For example, I specified that I wanted all archives trashed and all extracted files saved to a folder in DropBox. With the Extraction pane, you can stipulate where files are extracted and what you want to do with the original archives. The utility really does live up to its name if you can conceive of the format, The Unarchiver can open it-from Amigas to Zips. The Unarchiver features three preference panes, under one of them, Archive Formats, you can specify which archives you want the utility to automatically open. Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions. (Source code is even available via Google Code.) Upon first launch, The Unarchiver will ask you whether you want it to extract archives to the same folder, a selection you can confirm, or specify on a case-by-case basis.

If you have not upgraded to the latest version of OS X, have no fear: the utility supports older systems, including betas of OS X. Installing The Unarchiver is as simple as downloading it from the Mac App Store. However, if you simply want to improve your Mac's data dexterity, The Unarchiver can invisibly add that functionality for nothing. And if you are looking to create your own archives, you will need an archiver such as the venerable Stuffit Deluxe, which will cost you a cool $49.99. Do not expect to preview what The Unarchiver extracts. As with Apple's built-in archive utility, The Unarchiver's interface is invisible: simply double-click a file and The Unarchiver does the rest.Ĭertainly, simplicity carries its compromises. With support for more than four-dozen popular-and unpopular-file formats, The Unarchiver opens Stuffit archives, executable files, and RAR containers with ease. Although Apple makes opening zipped files a cinch, users may find themselves stymied by other popular compression formats. Opening an archived file on the Mac is normally as simple as double-clicking it.

You still need a separate archive utility.

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Best free unarchiver for mac