4 Methods to Convert RAR to ZIP on Mac: A Complete Guide

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Whether you're organizing downloaded files or sharing data across devices and operating systems, using the right file format can make all the difference. While RAR files offer excellent compression, ZIP files are more universally compatible - especially with macOS. If you're wondering how to convert RAR to ZIP on a Mac, this comprehensive guide will walk you through several methods, tools, and best practices to ensure a smooth conversion process.

What Are RAR and ZIP Files?

Before diving into the conversion steps, it's important to understand what RAR and ZIP files are and why you might want to convert from one to the other.

◾RAR Files

RAR stands for Roshal Archive, named after its creator Eugene Roshal. RAR is a proprietary archive file format that supports data compression, error recovery, and file spanning. It's commonly used on Windows systems and by people who want to maximize compression.

◾ZIP Files

ZIP is one of the oldest and most widely supported archive formats. It is built into Windows, Linux, and macOS, making it the go-to format for compressing and sharing files across different platforms.

Why Convert RAR to ZIP on Mac?

• Compatibility: macOS doesn't support RAR files natively.
• Ease of Use: ZIP files can be opened with macOS's built-in Archive Utility.
• Portability: ZIP files are more compatible with cloud storage services and mobile devices.
• No Additional Software Needed: Once converted to ZIP, no extra tools are needed to open the file on most platforms.

Does macOS Support RAR to ZIP Conversion Natively?

Unfortunately, macOS doesn't include native support for RAR files. The built-in Archive Utility can only handle ZIP files and a few other formats - not RAR. This means you'll need third-party software or online services to extract RAR files before converting them to ZIP.

Let's explore several easy methods for doing this.

4 Methods to Convert RAR to ZIP on Mac

Method 1: Convert RAR to ZIP Using The Unarchiver + Finder Compression

Step 1: Download and Install The Unarchiver

The Unarchiver is a free, lightweight application that allows Mac users to extract RAR files.

• Visit the Mac App Store or The Unarchiver's website.

• Download and install the app.
• Open The Unarchiver and set RAR as an associated file format.

Step 2: Extract the RAR File

• Right-click the RAR file and choose "Open With" > "The Unarchiver".

• The file will be extracted into a folder in the same location.

Step 3: Compress to ZIP

• Right-click the newly extracted folder.
• Choose "Compress [Folder Name]".

• A ZIP file will be created in the same directory.

Method 2: Convert RAR to ZIP Using Keka

Keka is another free compression and extraction tool that is macOS-friendly and supports both RAR and ZIP formats.

Step 1: Install Keka

• Download Keka from the official website or the Mac App Store.

• Open and configure it for RAR extraction and ZIP compression.

Step 2: Extract the RAR File

• Drag and drop your RAR file onto Keka's window.

• The content will be extracted into a new folder.

Step 3: Compress to ZIP

• Drag the extracted folder into Keka again.

• Choose ZIP as the output format.
• A ZIP file will be generated.

Method 3: Use Terminal for Manual Conversion (Advanced Users)

For those comfortable with macOS's command line, Terminal offers an efficient, no-frills way to extract and compress files.

Step 1: Install unrar and zip via Homebrew

If you haven't already, install Homebrew - the macOS package manager:

/bin/bash -c "$(curl -fsSL

https://raw.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/install/HEAD/install.sh)"

Then, install unrar:

brew install unrar

Step 2: Extract the RAR File

Navigate to the directory containing your RAR file:

cd /path/to/your/rarfile
unrar x filename.rar

This will extract the contents into a new folder.

Step 3: Compress the Extracted Files to ZIP

Now compress the extracted content:

zip -r output.zip extracted_folder/

Method 4: Convert RAR to ZIP Using Online Tools

Online conversion tools are ideal for users who want a fast, hassle-free way to convert a RAR file to a ZIP file without downloading or installing software. These web-based platforms handle everything in your browser, making them perfect for one-off tasks or when using a public or work computer.

★ Why Choose an Online Converter?

Online converters are especially useful in the following scenarios:

• You only need to convert one or two RAR files occasionally.
• You're on a device where installing software isn't possible (e.g., a borrowed or shared Mac).
• You want a quick conversion without learning how to use a new app.
• You have a small file that doesn’t exceed upload limits.

That said, they are not ideal for sensitive, private, or very large files due to security and file size constraints.

★ Popular Online RAR to ZIP Converters

1. Zamzar

• Website: https://www.zamzar.com/convert/rar-to-zip/
• Offers file conversion without the need to create an account.
• Accepts files up to 50MB for free users.
• Converts via email if desired (useful if you want to retrieve the file later).

2. Convertio

• Website: https://convertio.co/rar-zip/
• Offers cloud-based conversion.
• Supports files up to 100MB for free.
• Offers Google Drive and Dropbox integration.

3. Online-Convert.com

• Website: https://archive.online-convert.com/convert-to-zip
• Allows additional settings like setting a compression level, changing file names, or adding passwords.
• Slightly more advanced but still user-friendly.

★ General Steps

1. Visit the website.
2. Upload your RAR file (drag and drop supported).
3. Select ZIP as the output format.
4. Click "Convert".
5. Download the ZIP file once the process completes.

★ Tips for Using Online Tools Safely

• Check the Privacy Policy: Ensure the website deletes files after a set time.
• Use Password-Protected Networks: Avoid public Wi-Fi when uploading private files.
• Test with Non-Critical Files First: Get comfortable with the tool using harmless data.
• Avoid Auto-Downloads: Always manually click download to avoid malicious scripts.

Best Practices for Converting RAR to ZIP on Mac

1. Verify File Integrity

After extracting or converting, always open the ZIP file to confirm that all data is intact and usable.

2. Maintain Folder Structure

Keep your files organized in folders before compressing them to ZIP to preserve their hierarchy.

3. Avoid Double Compression

Don't compress a ZIP file that already contains compressed files, as this can increase the file size instead of reducing it.

4. Use Password Protection If Needed

If your files are sensitive, use tools like Keka or Terminal to add password protection to your ZIP files.

Converting RAR to ZIP Troubleshooting Common Issues

◾"The File Can't Be Opened Because It's from an Unidentified Developer"

• Go to System Preferences > Security & Privacy > General.
• Click "Open Anyway" next to the app that was blocked.

◾Error Extracting RAR Files

• Ensure the RAR file is complete and not corrupted.
• Re-download the file if necessary.
• Use an alternative extraction tool like Keka if The Unarchiver fails.

◾Conversion Fails or Is Slow Online

• Check your internet speed.
• Try a smaller file or a different online converter.
• Use a desktop application for better performance.

◾Top Apps for Handling Archive Files on Mac

Here's a quick comparison of some top-rated tools for extracting and compressing files on macOS:

App	RAR Support	ZIP Support	Cost	Notable Features
The Unarchiver	✓ (extract)	✗ (create)	Free	Lightweight and integrates with Finder
Keka	✓ (extract)	✓ (create)	Free	Password-protected archives, batch jobs
BetterZip	✓ (full)	✓ (full)	Paid	Preview files, edit without extracting
Archive Utility	✗	✓	Built-in	No installation required, simple usage

FAQs About Converting RAR to ZIP on Mac

Conclusion

Converting RAR files to ZIP on a Mac is simple when you use the right tools. While macOS doesn't support RAR natively, third-party apps like The Unarchiver and Keka make it easy to extract RAR files. Once extracted, converting to ZIP is just a right-click away using Finder's built-in compression.

For users who prefer online solutions or want to batch convert files via the Terminal, there are options available for every level of technical comfort. Whether you're looking for simplicity, speed, or control, you now have multiple pathways to convert RAR to ZIP on your Mac.

Choose the method that fits your needs best - and make your file handling more efficient and universally compatible.