SoftNexi

Mac · Compression & Archives

Keka for Mac

Open-source macOS archiver that creates 7Z, ZIP, and TAR archives and extracts RAR, with native Apple silicon support.

Updated July 16, 2026 · Reviewed by SoftNexi Editorial Team, Software research and documentation

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Overview

Keka is a macOS file archiver distributed free from the developer's site and as a paid convenience listing on the Mac App Store. Both builds are the same application; buying on the App Store is effectively a donation with automatic updates.

It creates 7Z, ZIP, TAR, GZip, and several other formats, and extracts RAR, ISO, and a long list of others. Split archives and AES-256 encryption are supported for the formats that allow them.

Keka runs natively on Apple silicon and integrates with Finder through drag-and-drop and a Services entry, which is how most people end up using it.

Key features

  • Creates 7Z, ZIP, TAR, GZip, BZip2, and more
  • Extracts RAR, ISO, DMG, and other common formats
  • AES-256 encryption for 7Z and ZIP
  • Split archives into fixed-size volumes
  • Exclude macOS resource forks and .DS_Store files from archives
  • Native Apple silicon build

System requirements

Operating system
Current macOS releases; older Keka builds are published for legacy macOS versions
Architecture
Universal build for Apple silicon and Intel Macs
Disk space
Roughly 50 MB installed

How to install Keka

  1. 1. Download

    Get the DMG from keka.io, or install from the Mac App Store for automatic updates.

  2. 2. Move to Applications

    Open the DMG and drag Keka into your Applications folder.

  3. 3. First launch

    Open Keka once and allow it in System Settings > Privacy & Security if macOS asks.

  4. 4. Set as default

    In Keka's preferences, use the default extractor option so archives open with Keka on double-click.

How to use it

  1. 1. Compress with Finder

    Drag files onto the Keka window or its Dock icon; the format and compression level come from Keka's main screen.

  2. 2. Exclude Mac metadata

    Enable the option to exclude resource forks so Windows recipients do not see __MACOSX folders.

  3. 3. Encrypt an archive

    Type a password in Keka's main window before compressing; use 7Z if you also want file names hidden.

Safety and privacy

  • Download from keka.io or the Mac App Store. Both are legitimate; other sources are not endorsed by the developer.
  • Keka is open source, and the App Store build passes Apple's review and notarization process.
Bundled software
None.
Privacy
Keka works offline and does not require an account.

Known risks

  • Gatekeeper may warn on first launch of the direct download if it is opened before macOS finishes verification.

What's new

  • 1.4.x series

    Recent releases have tracked new macOS versions, refined the interface, and updated bundled compression back ends. See keka.io for current release notes.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Free and open source
  • Handles RAR extraction on macOS
  • Native Apple silicon build
  • Can strip macOS metadata from archives

Cons

  • Cannot create RAR archives
  • No Finder right-click menu without a Services shortcut
  • Interface is minimal by design

Verdict

Keka is the archiver we recommend first on macOS: free, open source, actively maintained, and able to handle the RAR and 7Z files that Finder cannot.

Frequently asked questions

Why does Keka cost money on the Mac App Store?

The App Store listing is a way to support the project and get automatic updates. The same application is free from keka.io.

Can Keka create RAR files?

No. RAR creation requires RARLAB software; Keka extracts RAR archives only.