How to Extract ZIP Files on Mac
Short answer: You can extract a ZIP file on Mac by double-clicking it in the Finder, or with an archive utility such as ZipGood if the archive is encrypted or you need control over name conflicts. ZipGood can rename, overwrite or skip on conflicts.
Extracting a ZIP file with macOS
Double-clicking a .zip file in the Finder extracts it with the built-in Archive Utility. The contents appear in a folder next to the archive. This works well for unencrypted ZIP files.
Extracting a ZIP file with ZipGood
- Install ZipGood from the Mac App Store.
- Right-click the ZIP file in the Finder and choose a ZipGood extract command.
- Choose whether to extract in place or to a specific folder.
- Choose the name-conflict behaviour: rename, overwrite or skip.
- Enter the password if the archive is encrypted.
Encrypted ZIP archives
If a ZIP archive is protected with a password, macOS will ask for it but gives no help if you do not remember it. ZipGood keeps a password book and a default password in the macOS Keychain and tries them silently before asking you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I unzip a file on Mac?
Double-click the .zip file in the Finder. macOS extracts it into a folder next to the archive using the built-in Archive Utility.
How do I extract an encrypted ZIP file on Mac?
Use an archive utility such as ZipGood. It tries your saved passwords from the macOS Keychain silently, then prompts you for the password if needed.
What happens if extracted files already exist?
In ZipGood you choose the policy in advance: rename the incoming files, overwrite the existing ones, or skip them.
Sources
- ZipGood on the Mac App Store Level 1
- ZipGood Product Description Level 2
- ZipGood Support Documentation Level 3
Product facts on this page were last verified on October 2, 2026.