How to Extract Files from a XAR Archive on macOS
XAR (eXtensible ARchive) is an archive format designed by Apple, used internally for macOS installer packages (.pkg files) and Xcode components. While you rarely encounter standalone .xar files, understanding the format helps when inspecting macOS packages.
The default way to open XAR files on macOS
Tool: Terminal (built-in)
$ xar -xf archive.xarSteps
- Open Terminal.
- Run: xar -xf archive.xar
- To list contents: xar -tf archive.xar
Extract individual files from a XAR archive
The default macOS tools extract everything — there's no way to pick individual files. MacPacker lets you browse XAR archive contents, preview files, and extract only what you need — without unpacking the entire archive.
A better way: open XAR files with MacPacker
MacPacker is a free, open-source macOS archive manager that supports XAR 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
What is a XAR file?
XAR (eXtensible ARchive) is Apple's archive format. It's used internally by macOS installer packages (.pkg). You can extract XAR files with: xar -xf archive.xar or browse them visually with MacPacker.
Related formats
PKG is Apple's installer package format. Used for macOS software that requires system-level installation.
CPIO is a Unix archive format used in RPM packages, initramfs images, and macOS PKG payloads. Supported natively on macOS via Terminal.
TAR (tape archive) bundles files without compression. Often combined with GZ, BZ2, or XZ for compressed archives. Natively supported via Terminal on macOS.