StuffIt Expander

Users looking for a tool to extract multiple archive types may be disappointed by the bare and clumsy interface of this latest iteration of StuffIt Expander.

The utility fulfills its promise to handle more file types than past incarnations, which had been limited to .SIT and .ZIP files. According to its comprehensive Help file, StuffIt Expander 13.0.1.1 can now handle more than 30 file types, including .GZIP, .HQX, .TZ, .7z, and .UU. Unfortunately, the program is hampered by a '90s-era user interface, limited functionality, and poor integration with Windows. On opening--and every time you return to the main window--the application insists on searching your computer for all supported files. You can sort the resulting list by file name but not by size, location, or file type. You cannot open more than one archive at a time, and the application cannot automatically create a folder for the archives you do expand. In addition, there is no Windows shell integration, and contrary to the publisher description, you cannot drag files onto the application window or its icon to prompt expansion.

Of course, the one thing that StuffIt Expander does offer that other file-extraction tools don't is the capability to open StuffIt (.SITX) files, a popular Mac compression format. If you come across .SITX files regularly--or ever--you have little choice but to use this utility. Apart from using it to complete that chore, however, few users will be pleased with what this utility offers.