How to Extract Files from a SquashFS Disk Image on macOS
SquashFS is a compressed, read-only filesystem commonly used in Linux live CDs, AppImage packages, Ubuntu snap packages, and embedded systems. If you work with Linux distributions or embedded development on your Mac, you may need to extract SquashFS images.
The default way to open SquashFS files on macOS
Tool: squashfuse via Homebrew (third-party)
$ unsquashfs image.squashfsSteps
- Install squashfs tools via Homebrew: brew install squashfs
- Extract: unsquashfs image.squashfs
- Contents are extracted to a squashfs-root/ directory.
Extract individual files from a SquashFS archive
The default macOS tools extract everything — there's no way to pick individual files. MacPacker lets you browse SquashFS archive contents, preview files, and extract only what you need — without unpacking the entire archive.
A better way: open SquashFS files with MacPacker
MacPacker is a free, open-source macOS archive manager that supports SquashFS 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 macpackerApp Store updates may lag a few days behind direct downloads due to Apple review.
Frequently asked questions
How do I extract a SquashFS image on Mac?
Install squashfs tools (brew install squashfs) and run: unsquashfs image.squashfs. MacPacker can also browse SquashFS images visually and extract individual files.