Archive formats supported by Better UnArchiver
Capabilities differ by format. These extraction, creation, encryption, and read-only boundaries describe the current release.
Extraction formats
Extract RAR4 / RAR5, ZIP, 7z, the tar family, ISO, CAB, LHA, Z, ARJ, and common unencrypted DMG images in read-only mode.
- Encrypted and multi-volume RAR extraction
- Encrypted 7z handling through the bundled 7-Zip component
- Use macOS mounting for encrypted or incompatible DMG images
| Format | Capability | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| RAR4 / RAR5 | Extract | Encrypted and multi-volume extraction; no RAR creation or recovery-record repair. |
| ZIP | Extract, create | Common encryption methods; AES-256 and split volumes when creating. |
| 7z | Extract, create | Encrypted read and write use the bundled 7-Zip component; AES-256 and split volumes are supported when creating. |
| tar / gz / bz2 / xz | Extract, create | Create tar, tar.gz, tar.bz2, and tar.xz; tar-family archives do not provide archive encryption. |
| ISO / Z / ARJ | Extract | Read-only formats; ARJ is handled by the bundled 7-Zip component. |
| CAB / LHA (LZH) | Extract | Read-only legacy formats; LHA and LZH are common names for the same archive family. |
| DMG | Read-only | Common unencrypted images only; use macOS mounting for encrypted or incompatible images. |
Creation formats
Create ZIP, 7z, tar, tar.gz, tar.bz2, and tar.xz. ZIP and 7z support AES-256 and multi-volume output.
RAR and salvage boundary
Better UnArchiver uses UnRAR to extract RAR and does not create RAR archives. Salvage writes readable entries to a new archive, never changes the source, and does not repair RAR recovery records.
Available on the Mac App Store
The free tier includes 20 tasks per month up to 100 MB each. A one-time Mac App Store purchase removes the task-count and size limits shown for the current version and unlocks Pro. Better UnArchiver is available on the Mac App Store, where Apple handles purchases and restoration. Website checkout and license services remain disabled, and the recovery portal stays closed. macOS 14 or later · Apple silicon and Intel.