Local archive tools

Open a ZIP File on Mac with Finder or Your Browser

Open a ZIP file on Mac by double-clicking it in Finder, or use the browser tool below to inspect the file list and retrieve only the entries you need.

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Drop an archive here

ZIP

Choose ⁨ZIP⁩ filesBrowser downloads do not restore Mac extended attributes, resource forks or executable permissions. Use native tools for applications and backups.

Download sample input: project.zip Download example result

Files and passwords are processed on your device. Website visit statistics do not include file contents, names, paths or passwords. Privacy policy

Ready when you are. Limits: 1 GB input, 256 MB per extracted file, 512 MB total.

Step by step

How to inspect a ZIP in your Mac browser

Open this page in a current Mac browser and choose a ZIP.
Inspect the list and preview supported entries before extracting.
Download the files you need and locate them using your browser downloads.

Open a ZIP in Finder on Mac

Find the ZIP in Finder and double-click it. macOS expands its contents into the same folder. To inspect names or download one file before expanding everything, choose the ZIP in the browser tool.

Skip to archive tool Official device instructions

Inspect a ZIP before expanding everything

macOS can expand ZIPs with its built-in Archive Utility. A browser listing is useful when you want to check filenames or retrieve one file before expanding the entire archive.

Downloads and Mac metadata

A browser saves extracted bytes as ordinary downloaded files. Resource forks, extended attributes and executable permissions are not reconstructed by individual downloads. Use a native archiver when restoring a Mac backup or application bundle.

Local processing, practical limits

Selected files and passwords stay on your device. Browser memory and archive compression methods affect what can be processed. Use a desktop archiver for large backups, split volumes or filesystem metadata that must be restored exactly.

Your next step

Need the sender’s password? Use the password-protected ZIP guide. Encrypted ZIP Extractor

Good to know

Frequently asked questions

Is this a replacement for Archive Utility?

It is useful for quick inspection and individual downloads. Use native tools when filesystem metadata or very large archives matter.

Will opening a ZIP run its programs?

No. Listing and extracting do not execute archived programs.

What if my Mac cannot open the ZIP?

Check available storage, then download the original archive again if it may be incomplete or damaged. Ask the sender for the correct password or a compatible archive when needed.