Open and create 7z files on Mac

Opening and creating 7z files on macOS requires understanding the available tools. In this article, we will explore two main options: the built-in macOS functionality and a third-party application, Commander One, which expands the capabilities of managing 7z files.

How to create and open 7z files on Mac via inbuilt Archive Utility

Unfortunately, while Mac users can open or unarchive 7z files using the native macOS Archive Utility, they cannot create 7z archives with it. The utility only supports unarchiving for this file type.

Steps for unarchiving 7z files on Mac

1. Locate the 7z file: Find the .7z file you wish to open.
2. Right-click the file: Click on the file with two fingers or right-click it.
3. Choose ‘Open With’: Select ‘Open With’ from the context menu
4. Select ‘Archive Utility’: Choose Archive Utility from the list of applications.
5. Unarchive: The file will automatically unarchive into the same folder as the original 7z file.

The alternative app for 7z files on Mac — Commander One

Commander One is a robust file management tool that excels in handling various types of archives on macOS. It allows users to not only extract but also create 7z files. This app supports a wide range of archive formats, providing a comprehensive solution for file compression and decompression.

How to create a 7z file on Mac via Commander One

1. Open Commander One: Launch the application on your Mac.
2. Navigate to the files: Go to the files or folders you want to compress.
3. Select the files: Highlight the files or folders.
4. Choose ‘Compress’: Right-click and select ‘Compress’ from the context menu.
5. Set compression settings: Choose 7z format and set your desired compression level and password protection if necessary.
6. Compress: Click ‘Compress’ to create your 7z archive.

How to unzip a 7z archive on Mac using Commander One

1. Open Commander One: Start the application.
2. Locate the 7z file: Find the .7z file you need to open.
3. Select the file: Click on the file.
4. Choose ‘Extract’: Right-click and select ‘Extract’ from the context menu.
5. Specify the destination: Choose where you want the extracted files to go or extract them in the current location.
6. Extract: Click ‘Extract’ to finalize the process.

Conclusion

Whether you are looking to simply open a 7z file or need the functionality to create them, macOS offers solutions through its native Archive Utility and third-party applications like Commander One. The latter provides a comprehensive set of tools for managing archives, making it an excellent choice for users needing more advanced features.