The Unarchiver for Mac

The Unarchiver for Mac gives you the tools you need to open just about any type of compressed file and extract the items contained inside. You can choose which formats you'd like to use this program for, so it will only spring into action when you want it to.

Pros

Streamlined interface: Users of all skill levels should have no trouble finding their way around this application's interface. There are three tabs across the top of the window that provide access to the app's various features, and selecting the types of file formats you'd like to open with the app is as easy as checking items from a list.

Customization options: While this app doesn't have a ton of features, it has just the right mix of options for determining where files should be extracted to and how you'd like the extracted files' data to display. For instance, you can set the program to use the original date and time from the compressed file on the extracted files, or you can instruct it to insert a new date and time reflecting when the files were extracted.

Cons

Limited help: There are some forums you can browse to find information about how to troubleshoot problems or how to access all of the app's features, but there is no real dedicated Help feature. You can also read a little bit about the program on the company's home page, but that's about the extent of it. However, the accessibility of the interface and the lightweight nature of the program mean that you probably won't have too much need for it.

Bottom Line

This is a good program to have on hand, because you never know when you're going to need to open files that other people send you in a variety of compressed formats. It's free, works well, and has just the right mix of features to make it a good option for most users.