Does 7-Zip Work on Mac?

The popular file compression tool 7-Zip, widely used on Windows, does not have an official version for macOS. However, you can still use 7-Zip features on a Mac with alternative tools and methods. These tools allow you to create and extract 7z files (the file format used by 7-Zip) on macOS seamlessly.

Alternatives to 7-Zip for Mac

Here are some tools that support 7-Zip compression and decompression on macOS:

1. Keka

• Description: Keka is a lightweight, open-source compression tool for macOS that supports 7z files.
• Features:
  • Compress files into 7z, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, and more.
  • Extract 7z, RAR, ZIP, and other formats.
  • Encryption support for 7z and ZIP formats.
• How to Use:
  1. Download Keka from keka.io.
  2. Drag and drop files to compress them into 7z format.
  3. Double-click a 7z file to extract it.
• Cost: Free (optional donation).

2. The Unarchiver

• Description: A simple and efficient tool to extract 7z files and other formats.
• Features:
  • Supports 7z, ZIP, RAR, TAR, and more.
  • Automatically extracts files to a chosen directory.
• How to Use:
  1. Download The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store or their website.
  2. Double-click a 7z file, and it will extract automatically.
• Cost: Free.

3. BetterZip

• Description: A powerful file compression and extraction tool for macOS.
• Features:
  • Create and extract 7z, ZIP, TAR, RAR, and other archives.
  • View and edit contents of archives without extracting.
  • Password-protected 7z file support.
• How to Use:
  1. Download BetterZip from macitbetter.com.
  2. Open the app and load 7z files to extract or create archives.
• Cost: Free trial; $24.95 for full version.

4. Commander One

• Description: A dual-pane file manager with 7z support.
• Features:
  • Extract and compress 7z files.
  • Integrates file management and archive handling in one app.
• How to Use:
  1. Download Commander One from eltima.com.
  2. Navigate to your 7z files in the app and extract them.
• Cost: Free and Pro version available.

5. p7zip (Command Line)

• Description: A command-line version of 7-Zip available for macOS.
• Features:
  • Advanced options for 7z compression and extraction.
  • Full control over archive parameters.
• How to Use:
  1. Install p7zip using Homebrew: brew install p7zip
  2. Use commands like:
     • Compress: 7z a archive.7z file1 file2
     • Extract: 7z x archive.7z
• Cost: Free.

How to Use 7z Files on Mac

Extracting a 7z File

1. Download and install one of the tools mentioned above (e.g., Keka or The Unarchiver).
2. Locate the 7z file on your Mac.
3. Double-click the file or right-click and select Open With, then choose the installed app.
4. The file will be extracted to the same directory by default.

Compressing Files into a 7z Archive

1. Open the compression tool (e.g., Keka).
2. Drag and drop the files you want to compress into the tool.
3. Select 7z as the compression format.
4. Set a password if desired for encryption.
5. Save the compressed 7z archive.

Pros and Cons of Using 7-Zip Tools on Mac

Pros:

• 7z files are highly compressed, saving storage space.
• Supports password protection and encryption.
• Free alternatives like Keka and The Unarchiver make it easy to use on macOS.

Cons:

• No official 7-Zip app for macOS.
• Advanced 7z features may require command-line tools like p7zip.

FAQs

1. Is 7-Zip available for macOS?

No, 7-Zip does not have an official app for macOS. However, tools like Keka and The Unarchiver provide similar functionality.

2. Can I open password-protected 7z files on Mac?

Yes, apps like Keka and BetterZip allow you to open and create password-protected 7z files.

3. What’s the best free alternative to 7-Zip for Mac?

Keka is the best free alternative, offering a user-friendly interface and extensive format support.

4. Is 7z better than ZIP for compression?

Yes, 7z generally provides better compression rates than ZIP, making it ideal for reducing file sizes.

5. Can I use 7z files without installing an app?

No, macOS doesn’t natively support 7z files. You need a third-party tool like The Unarchiver or Keka.

Conclusion

While the official 7-Zip app isn’t available for macOS, tools like Keka, The Unarchiver, and p7zip provide robust alternatives for handling 7z files. Whether you prefer user-friendly apps or advanced command-line options, macOS users have plenty of solutions to manage 7z archives seamlessly.