Archive Utility

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Archive Utility[edit | edit source]

Archive Utility is a built-in application in macOS, developed by Apple Inc., that is used for handling compressed archive files. It is primarily used to create and expand various types of archive files, such as ZIP files, which are commonly used for file compression and packaging.

Overview[edit | edit source]

Archive Utility is a simple yet powerful tool that operates mostly in the background. It is integrated into the macOS operating system, allowing users to compress files and folders into archives or extract files from existing archives with ease. The utility supports a variety of archive formats, making it versatile for different user needs.

Features[edit | edit source]

Compression[edit | edit source]

Archive Utility allows users to compress files and folders into a single archive file. This is particularly useful for reducing file size for storage or for sending files over the internet. The most common format used by Archive Utility is the ZIP format, which is widely supported across different platforms.

Extraction[edit | edit source]

The primary function of Archive Utility is to extract files from compressed archives. Users can double-click on an archive file, and Archive Utility will automatically extract its contents to the same directory as the archive file. Supported formats include ZIP, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, and others.

Format Support[edit | edit source]

Archive Utility supports a range of archive formats, including but not limited to:

  • ZIP
  • TAR
  • GZIP
  • BZIP2
  • CPIO
  • ISO
  • RAR (extraction only)

Usage[edit | edit source]

Archive Utility is designed to be user-friendly and requires minimal user interaction. To compress files, users can right-click on a file or folder and select "Compress" from the context menu. To extract files, users simply double-click on the archive file, and Archive Utility will handle the rest.

Configuration[edit | edit source]

While Archive Utility operates with default settings, users can configure its behavior through the "Archive Utility" preferences. Options include setting the default location for extracted files, choosing whether to delete the archive after extraction, and specifying the format for compressed files.

Limitations[edit | edit source]

Although Archive Utility is a convenient tool for basic compression and extraction tasks, it lacks some advanced features found in third-party applications. For example, it does not support password-protected archives or advanced compression settings.

See Also[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

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