convert RAR to ZIP on Mac

TL;DR:

• Quickest technique: Use BetterZip or Archiver – each allow you to convert RAR to ZIP simply and preview information with out unarchiving.
• Constructed-in technique: Use Terminal with Homebrew and unrar to extract, then compress with ZIP or use Finder (Proper-click the folder > Compress to make a ZIP).
• Free possibility: Strive Keka for batch RAR-to-ZIP conversions.

Information could also be ignored, and folders typically arrive empty or don’t work throughout units. I misplaced a couple of resulting from varied errors and points, to not point out that sending giant information is at all times a problem. One of the best repair? Archive your information first. 

Archiving preserves file construction, simplifies sharing by packaging every part into one file, and might cut back file dimension by means of compression. 

Standard archive codecs embrace RAR and ZIP. Under, I’ll clarify how they differ, the best way to use every, and the best way to convert RAR to ZIP on Mac.

convert RAR to ZIP on Mac

Doing a fast analysis on-line, you’ll come throughout dozens of internet sites claiming to transform RAR to ZIP archives without cost. But it surely’s not at all times a good suggestion to belief a free web site you don’t know. 

It’s significantly better to work with any form of archives immediately in your Mac. Regardless that you may archive and unarchive information with ZIP format utilizing your Mac’s default Archive Utility (simply right-click the file and select Compress), it doesn’t work like that with RAR information. You’d want to make use of some confirmed archival software program. 

BetterZip helps over 30 archival codecs. This app shortly creates new archives and uncompresses just about any zipped file despatched your manner, together with RAR. The important thing characteristic of BetterZip is how one can peek into the archive folders and information with out unarchiving them, identical to you’d do with Finder. You possibly can take information out of the archive or add new ones, rename issues as you see match, and many others.

Right here’s the best way to convert RAR to ZIP: 

1. Set up and open BetterZip.
2. Drag and drop your RAR archive into the BetterZip window.
3. The contents of the RAR file will load routinely — you’ll see the information contained in the archive.
4. Click on Save or go to the menu bar and click on File > Save As.
5. Within the save dialog:

• Select a reputation and placement to your new archive.
• Underneath Archive format, select ZIP from the drop-down menu.

6. Click on Save to create a brand new ZIP archive containing the extracted RAR contents.

Your ZIP file is now prepared and could be shared or saved like every other archive.

convert RAR to ZIP utilizing built-in macOS instruments

macOS has a number of built-in instruments that can help you simply convert to ZIP, with Finder and Terminal each being choices.

Convert utilizing Finder

Right here’s the best way to convert RAR to ZIP Finder:

1. Open Finder and go to the folder containing the extracted information.
2. Choose the folder you wish to compress.
3. Proper-click (or Management-click) and select Compress from the context menu.
4. A brand new ZIP file can be created in the identical location.

Convert utilizing Terminal

Listed below are the steps to transform RAR to ZIP with Termina:

1. Open Terminal from Functions > Utilities.
2. To put in Homebrew (if not already put in), sort /bin/bash -c “$(curl -fsSL https://uncooked.githubusercontent.com/Homebrew/set up/HEAD/set up.sh)” >  Press Return and observe the prompts.
3. Set up the unrar device by typing brew set up unrar > Press Return.
4. Go to the folder containing your RAR file and sort cd /path/to/your/rar/file. Change the trail with the folder location > Press Return.
5. Extract the RAR file by typing unrar x yourfile.rar > Change yourfile.rar with the precise file title > Press Return.
6. Compress the extracted contents right into a ZIP archive by typing zip -r yourfile.zip extracted_folder_or_files. Change yourfile.zip together with your desired archive title and extracted_folder_or_files with the folder or information you extracted..

Learn additionally:

cut back RAR archive file dimension

The one main benefit of RAR as an archival format over ZIP is significantly better compression, since ZIP is usually considered lossless. 

However what do you do when your RAR archive remains to be too giant to your functions? Right here, an everyday lossless RAR to ZIP converter received’t assist — you want an app that features some degree of compression. 

Archiver involves the rescue. This device can archive and unarchive dozens of codecs, together with RAR, and likewise convert one archival format into one other with out unzipping the information first. Additionally, you may preview information in any archive, extract something selectively, or mix a number of archives right into a single one. Lastly, set passwords and fine-tune the extent of compression you’re in search of — multi function app.

Right here’s the best way to cut back RAR dimension:

1. Set up and open Archiver.
2. Drop your RAR and click on Convert.
3. Select 7-ZIP (which has excessive compression)
4. Within the Compression Stage drop-down, choose Highest.
5. Click on Convert.

If compressing your archive by conversion will not be sufficient, your solely different possibility is splitting it into a number of equally sized archives. Fortunately, Archiver can deal with it in seconds: 

1. Drop your RAR archive into Archiver.
2. Click on Cut up
3. Set the Chunk dimension to a certain amount of KB, MB, or GB (choose within the drop-down) > Cut up
4. Drag your ensuing cut up archives wherever in your Mac.

Utilizing Keka for batch conversion

Do you’ve gotten a bunch of RAR information that should be transformed into ZIP information? Strive Keka, an open-source app for changing RAR to ZIP on macOS. It’s easy to make use of and has a zero studying curve. 

Merely drag your RAR information onto the app, choose ZIP because the format, and executed. Whether or not it’s one file or a full folder, Keka handles batch conversions like a professional.

How to decide on the very best archiving app for macOS

There are various methods to archive, however which app fits you is all dependent upon your wants. Listed below are the components that I bear in mind when selecting the very best archiving app for Mac: 

• Compression velocity vs. effectivity: You need to select velocity should you steadily compress and decompress giant information and want to complete duties in a restricted time interval. 
• Security measures: Select an app that helps AES-256 encryption. Password safety can be a should for confidential information, so search for an app that may password-protect information. 
• Person-friendly interface: Select apps that provide drag-and-drop help, Finder integration, and clear settings menus. For those who’re new to archiving, begin with an app that doesn’t overwhelm with choices however nonetheless provides you important controls.
• Extra options: Search for file preview, archive splitting, and cloud integration. Test if the app helps a number of codecs, comparable to RAR, 7Z, TAR, and different non-standard information.

What’s the distinction between RAR and ZIP? 

Each RAR and ZIP are extremely common in relation to creating archives. However they’re additionally not the identical and are used with barely totally different objectives in thoughts.

Traditionally, RAR has been predominantly used on Home windows, and it’s not supported by native macOS, whereas ZIP acceptance is common. For that reason, a frequent query is the best way to flip an RAR file right into a ZIP and what an excellent RAR to ZIP converter is out there for Mac. 

Right here is an easy comparability between the 2:

Conclusion: Changing RAR to ZIP on Mac

As you may see, there are quite a lot of methods to show a RAR file right into a ZIP. Sadly, there’s no simple approach to do it in your Mac by default, and you need to keep away from all of the free web sites that declare to take action straight away. Your greatest wager is to make use of native instruments or BetterZip and Archiver. 

Better of all, each BetterZip and Archiver can be found to you completely free for seven days by means of the trial of Setapp, a platform with greater than 260 prime Mac apps for any process you may think about, from browsing the net safely (ClearVPN) to managing your price range (MoneyWiz 2025) to upgrading your calendar (BusyCal). Strive each Setapp app without charge in the present day and see what you’ve been lacking out on! 

FAQ

Can I convert RAR to ZIP on Mac with out third-party apps?

You possibly can compress RAR to ZIP on a Mac with Finder. Proper-click on the file and select Compress. A newly created ZIP file will seem in the identical window.

Which is healthier: RAR or ZIP?

Whether or not RAR or ZIP is healthier relies on what you want:

• ZIP is extra common and helps Mac, Home windows, Linux, and many others. You don’t want any further instruments to open ZIP information. 
• RAR often compresses higher (smaller file sizes) and helps issues like restoration data and multi-part archives. Nevertheless, it might be troublesome to open on Mac or different programs.

What’s the greatest free RAR to ZIP converter for Mac?

Keka is a free RAR to ZIP converter that gives some customization, too. It might probably open RAR information after which zip the content material.

How can I cut back the scale of my RAR file earlier than changing it to ZIP?

To scale back the scale of your RAR:

• Recompress the unique information with higher settings.
• Take away pointless information (thumbnails, temp information, and many others.) from the archive.
• Cut up the archive (RAR helps multi-volume archives), which doesn’t shrink it, however makes it extra manageable.