How to Expand Zip Files on a Mac
A zip file, identified with the file extension "zip" or "ZIP," is a common data compression format. The zip format is used to compress one or more files to reduce their size and make them easier to send or store. The zip file format can be used with PC or Mac operating systems. If you receive a zip file on a Mac, decompressing or "expanding" a zip file is just a few clicks away.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
Expand a zip file on a Mac
-
1
Double-click on the zip file. This will automatically expand the zip file, and you should be able to open the files within it right away.
-
2
Download StuffIt Expander if Step 1 does not work. StuffIt Expander is a long-established Mac utility and can be used to expand zip files on a Mac. Skip this step if your Mac already has StuffIt installed.
-
-
3
Open StuffIt Expander. Drag and drop the zip file onto the program's interface. Alternatively, you can drag the file onto StuffIt's desktop icon to open StuffIt Expander.
-
4
Click Expand. You will see a message that says "archives will be expanded into the same destination as the archive."
-
5
Double-click on the uncompressed files to open them.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
If you have any compressed file formats that are not zip files, StuffIt may be able to open them as well. StuffIt lets you open over 30 other formats, including RAR, 7zip, split and segmented archives.
Never expand a zip file on a Mac if you don't know who it is from or what the contents might be.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit wired mac mouse image by patrimonio designs from Fotolia.com
