How to Download RAR Files for Mac

RAR files are a file or group of files that have been compressed using RAR compression (Ref. 1). RAR compression uses a higher compression ratio than ZIP compression (Ref 1). RAR files may also have the file extension .R00 to .R99 in addition to the normal RAR file extension (Ref 1). If you want to download RAR files onto your Mac, it is just like downloading any other file. However, you need a special program called RAR Expander in order to open RAR files on a Mac.

Things You'll Need

• RAR Expander for Mac

Instructions

1. Download RAR Expander for Mac (See Resources). RAR Expander is freeware so there is no cost for the application. To download, click on Download Now.

2. Open the RAR Expander DMG file on your desktop by double clicking on it.

3. Drag the RAR Expander icon into your applications folder.

4. Find the RAR file you would like to download from the Internet. Click on the file to start the download. Once the download is completed, a RAR file will be on your desktop.

5. Double click on the RAR file. RAR Expander will decompress the RAR file automatically.

Tips & Warnings

• You can select Expand from the File menu in RAR Expander, to expand a RAR archive as well.

• RAR files can contain any type of file that can be compressed. Be sure you know what to expect when downloading RAR files.

References

• File Info: .RAR File Extension

Resources

• Mac Update: RAR Expander 0.8.5b3