SIT.sit · .sitx

How to Extract Files from a SIT (StuffIt) Archive on macOS

StuffIt (.sit) was the dominant archive format on classic Mac OS throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. While largely replaced by ZIP, you may encounter SIT files when accessing legacy Mac software, vintage archives, or old Mac-formatted media.

The default way to open SIT files on macOS

Tool: The Unarchiver (third-party)

Steps

  1. Install The Unarchiver from the Mac App Store (free).
  2. Right-click the .sit file and choose "Open With > The Unarchiver".
  3. Files are extracted to a folder next to the original.
  4. Alternatively, use MacPacker which also supports StuffIt archives.
Note: macOS has no built-in StuffIt support. The original StuffIt Expander is discontinued. The Unarchiver or MacPacker can handle .sit files.

Extract individual files from a SIT archive

The default macOS tools extract everything — there's no way to pick individual files. MacPacker lets you browse SIT archive contents, preview files, and extract only what you need — without unpacking the entire archive.

A better way: open SIT files with MacPacker

MacPacker is a free, open-source macOS archive manager that supports SIT and 30+ other formats. Unlike the default tools, MacPacker lets you:

  • Browse archive contents like a folder
  • Preview files with Quick Look without extracting
  • Extract individual files via drag and drop
  • Navigate nested archives (archives within archives)
  • Enjoy a native SwiftUI interface that feels right at home on macOS

Get MacPacker

v0.15.1 · macOS 14+
$ brew install --cask macpacker
.dmg.zipApp StoreReleases

App Store updates may lag a few days behind direct downloads due to Apple review.

Frequently asked questions

How do I open a StuffIt (.sit) file on modern macOS?

macOS no longer includes StuffIt support. Use MacPacker (free, open-source) or The Unarchiver to open .sit files. MacPacker lets you browse the archive contents before extracting.

Related formats

SEA.sea

Self-Extracting Archives were common in the Classic Mac OS era. They contain both the archive data and extraction code.

ZIP.zip

ZIP is the most widely used archive format on macOS. It supports lossless compression and is natively handled by Finder and Archive Utility.

RAR.rar

RAR is a proprietary archive format known for high compression ratios and multi-part archives. macOS has no built-in RAR support.