RAR files are a popular format for compressing and archiving data, but Mac users sometimes encounter the frustrating “Can’t Open RAR as Archive” error. This issue occurs when trying to extract the contents of a RAR file on macOS. Whether you’re dealing with corrupted files, incompatible software, or other technical issues, there are solutions to get your RAR files opened successfully. In this step-by-step tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of fixing this problem.

What is the “Can’t Open RAR as Archive” Error?

When you attempt to open a RAR file on a Mac and see the error message “Can’t Open RAR as Archive,” it usually means that your Mac is either unable to recognize the file as a valid archive or the software you’re using cannot handle the file correctly. This can be caused by a variety of reasons, including corrupted files, outdated apps, or unsupported formats.

How to Fix “Can’t Open RAR as Archive” on Mac

Step 1: Ensure You’re Using the Right Software

macOS doesn’t natively support RAR files, so you need third-party software to open them. Common apps include The Unarchiver, Keka, and WinRAR for Mac.

Recommended Apps:

  1. The Unarchiver – A free, highly recommended app for extracting RAR files on Mac.
  2. Keka – A versatile archiving tool that supports RAR and many other formats.
  3. WinRAR for Mac – The official RAR archiver, though less popular than the other two options.

How to Install The Unarchiver:

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  1. Visit the Mac App Store or download it from the official website.
  2. Once installed, open The Unarchiver.
  3. Set it as the default program for opening RAR files by selecting the app in the Preferences section.
  4. Try opening your RAR file by double-clicking it.

If you’re still seeing the error after installing a new archiver, move on to the next steps.

Step 2: Check the RAR File Integrity

Sometimes, the problem is with the RAR file itself. If the file is corrupted or incomplete, your extraction software might fail to recognize it.

How to Check RAR File Integrity:

  1. Re-download the file – If you downloaded the RAR file from the internet, it’s possible that the download was interrupted, leading to a corrupt file. Try downloading it again.
  2. Check for partial downloads – If the file is too large and the download was cut off, it may not open properly. Ensure the file size matches the expected size from the source.
  3. Test the file on another computer – If possible, try extracting the file on a different computer (even a Windows PC). This can help determine if the file itself is corrupt.

Step 3: Use a Different Extraction Tool

If you’ve already installed software like The Unarchiver but still can’t open the RAR file, try using an alternative extraction tool. Keka and WinRAR are excellent choices.

How to Use Keka:

  1. Download and install Keka from the official website.
  2. Open Keka and drag your RAR file into the Keka window.
  3. Keka should automatically start extracting the file. If it doesn’t, try right-clicking the RAR file and selecting Open With > Keka.

How to Use WinRAR:

  1. Download and install WinRAR for Mac.
  2. Right-click on the RAR file and select Open With > WinRAR.
  3. WinRAR should open and display the archive contents.

Step 4: Repair a Corrupted RAR File

If the RAR file is corrupted, many extraction tools (like WinRAR) can attempt to repair the file, but you’ll need access to the original archive.

Repairing with WinRAR (on Windows):

  1. Open WinRAR and navigate to the corrupted file.
  2. Select the file and click on Tools > Repair archive.
  3. Choose a destination to save the repaired file and click OK.
  4. Once repaired, try opening the new archive on your Mac.

Note: There is no direct repair option available in Mac-specific apps like The Unarchiver or Keka, so you may need to perform repairs on a Windows PC or use online repair tools.

Step 5: Convert RAR Files to a Compatible Format

If you can’t open a RAR file at all and need the contents quickly, consider converting the file to another format, such as ZIP, which is natively supported on macOS.

How to Convert RAR to ZIP:

  1. Online converters – Websites like Online-Convert.com or Zamzar.com can convert RAR files to ZIP format. Upload the file, convert it, and then download the ZIP archive.
  2. Use Keka or The Unarchiver – Some apps allow converting RAR files to other formats directly on macOS. For example, Keka supports creating archives in ZIP format from RAR files.

Step 6: Check for System Updates and Permissions

If none of the above steps work, there may be an underlying issue with macOS permissions or outdated software.

How to Update macOS:

  1. Click on the Apple Menu in the top left corner.
  2. Select System Preferences and click Software Update.
  3. Install any available updates and restart your Mac.

Check Permissions:

  1. Right-click on the RAR file and select Get Info.
  2. Ensure that you have permission to read and write the file. If needed, adjust permissions by clicking on the lock icon.

Step 7: Contact the File Provider

If you still can’t open the RAR file, the issue might be with how the file was compressed or created. Contact the person or service that provided you with the file and ask for a different format (such as ZIP) or a new, uncorrupted copy.

Conclusion

The “Can’t Open RAR as Archive” error on a Mac can stem from several causes, including software issues, corrupted files, or incorrect settings. By following the steps outlined above, you can usually resolve the problem and gain access to your files. Start by ensuring you have the right extraction software, check for any file corruption, and use the proper tools to repair or convert the file if necessary.

If the issue persists, don’t hesitate to seek further assistance or try the file on another system to ensure compatibility. With the right approach, you’ll be able to open and extract your RAR files on your Mac without trouble.