Open a zip file on your Mac, or make one

Why it happens

Your Mac has a built-in tool, Archive Utility, that opens and makes .zip files, so you don't need to install anything for them. It runs by itself when you double-click a zip. Some other archive types, like .rar, aren't built in and need a separate app.

How to fix it

1. Find the .zip file in Finder, often in your Downloads folder, and double-click it. A folder or file with the same name appears beside it within a few seconds.

2. To make a zip, select the files or folder you want. Control-click (or right-click) the selection and choose Compress. With several files, the menu item says how many.

   Finder›Compress

3. A file called Archive.zip, or the item's name with .zip, appears in the same folder. Rename it if you like, then send or upload it.

Still not fixed?

1. Got a .rar file? Your Mac can't open those by itself. Get an unarchiver app from the App Store, then open the file with it.

2. If it says the zip can't be expanded, or shows Error 1 or Operation not permitted, the download may be incomplete. Delete it and download it again, then unzip it from your Downloads or Desktop folder.

3. Stuck on expanding for a long time? Very large zips take a while, so give it a few minutes. If nothing changes, make sure you have enough free space.

   General›Storage

4. If a zip asks for a password, only the person who sent it can give it to you. Without it, the file can't be opened.

5. If no zip opens at all, even ones that open fine on another Mac, contact Apple Support. This is a software problem, not hardware, and they can help check your system.