Macs usually come with a built-in compression tool called the Archive Utility that zips and unzips files. However, because this tool has relatively basic functionalities, other Mac users opt to use third-party apps. A quick check at the Mac App Store even shows over 50 apps that can be used for zipping and unzipping files.

Explore the best Compression software for Mac. Browse our catalog of over 50 000 mac apps. MacUpdate is serving app downloads since 1997. Winzip can zip or unzip on Mac, and open.7z file on Mac. This Winzip app on Mac support.

Zipeg is a free open-source program used for the compression and extraction of archive files in formats such as Zip, Rar, 7z, Tar, and so on. This software works on both Windows and Mac OS X hence it can be used to unzip your Zip files on Mac. Zipeg is a free utility and it.

But what is a zip file by the way?

What is a Zip File?

An archive file format, a Zip file is a collection of one or more files/folders that are compressed into one file for easier transfer and compression purposes. Despite it being a popular file format, many macOS users have reportedly encountered problems with it. According to them, they cannot unzip files in Mac because of the Unzip Error 22: Invalid Argument error message.

Now, before we discuss why the unzip error 22 happens in Macs and how to fix the unzip error 22: invalid argument issue, allow us to discuss everything you need to know about macOS file compression for you to better understand the process.

macOS File Compression

Don’t bother looking for the Archive Utility in the Applications folder because you can’t find it there. Apple intentionally hid it because it’s a core service of the operating system. And when you say core service, it is used by Apple and macOS app developers to enhance the capabilities and features of an application. For instance, Mac Mail uses the Archive Utility to compress and decompress mail attachments. Safari, on the other hand, uses it to decompress downloaded files.

What’s great about this utility is that you can use it without having to launch it. But if you have a number of files to compress and decompress, you can conveniently open it, and then drag and drop files to it. You can access it by going to System > Library > Core Services > Applications.

Zipping a File/Folder

Compressing a file/folder is a relatively easy process. Simply follow the steps below:

1. Open the Finder utility.
2. Find the file or folder that you want to compress.
3. Right-click on it and choose Compress from the list of options that appear.
4. You will know if you have successfully compressed the file if you see a new file with the name of the item next to the word The new item should be named Compress [Item Name].

During the compression process, the selected file/folder is compressed. But the original file/folder is left intact. The compressed file/folder version will be stored in the same folder as the original file and will have a .zip file extension.

Zipping Multiple Files/Folders

Compressing multiple files/folders on your Mac is similar to compressing a single file/folder. The only noticeable difference is the name of the zip file generated.

To zip multiple files/folders on your Mac, here’s what you should do:

1. Go to the folder that contains the folders/files you want to compress.
2. Select all the items you want to compress. Shift + Click to select a range of folders or files. CMD + Click to select non-adjacent items.
3. Once you have made a selection, right-click on any of the items and choose Compress.
4. At this point, you already have a zipped file ready. It should have the word Compress in its file name, followed by the number of items selected and the file extension .zip.

Unzipping a File/Folder

Unzipping a file/folder is as easy as zipping one. Simply double-click on the zip file and it will automatically decompress in the same folder where the compressed file is stored.

If the item you decompressed contains more than one file, the decompressed item should retain the name of the original file. If a file with the same name already exists in the current folder, the decompressed file will have a number added to its name.

In case you didn’t know, there is another way to unzip a file/folder. It involves using Terminal, a built-in Mac program.

To use Terminal to unzip a file/folder, follow these steps:

1. Open Use Spotlight to search for it.
2. Into the text field, input unzip.
3. Drag and drop the zip file into Terminal.
4. Hit Enter and the file will be unzipped.

Why You Cannot Unzip Files

As perfect as this utility may seem, there are times when you can’t unzip files on your Mac because error messages like the Unzip Error 22: Invalid Argument pop up out of nowhere. Why do they happen? Here are a few reasons:

• Corrupted File – If you downloaded the ZIP file in a browser, there is a chance that it becomes corrupted, especially if you have closed the website prior to the download completion. Even though the file is already in the Download folder, you simply cannot open and unzip the file.
• Large File Content – Another possible reason why error messages appear while unzipping files on your Mac is that the file contains a large file.
• Permissions – In some cases, file permissions keep you from unzipping files. To resolve this, you may have to use third-party software.
• System Junk – Though rare, junk files may trigger the appearance of error messages associated with the Archive Utility.

How to Fix the Unzip Error 22: Invalid Argument Error

Are you looking for ways to resolve the Unzip Error 22: Invalid Argument error that appears while unzipping files on your Mac? If that is the case, then we cannot suggest a direct fix. What we recommend that you do is to try to unzip files using Terminal or simply perform a quick PC scan as junk and suspicious files might be keeping you from unzipping the files.

Unzip files using Terminal.

If double-clicking the file doesn’t work, you can try to unzip it using the Terminal utility. Perhaps, the file is too large that the decompress feature of the Archive Utility cannot handle it.

Don’t worry, though, because unzipping files in Terminal is easy. Just follow the steps below:

1. Hold the CMD key and press Space to open Spotlight.
2. Into the search bar, input Terminal and hit Enter.
3. Unzip the file using the command: unzip filename.zip
4. Press Enter and the file will be unzipped.

Perform a quick PC scan.

Still cannot unzip files? Try to perform a quick PC scan. It is possible that junk files are messing with important and core system processes, preventing you from executing or running utilities like Archive.

To perform a quick scan on your Mac, use a third-party Mac Repair tool like Outbyte MacRepair. Once the tool is downloaded and installed on your Mac, scan your system for any junk files and delete them. It should be easy-peasy!

Summary

Unzipping files on a Mac is easy as pie. All you need to do is double-click on the file and that’s it! The Archive Utility will take care of everything for you. However, if you fail to unzip files because of the Unzip Error 22: Invalid Argument issue, don’t panic. You can always try unzipping files using Terminal or just run a quick PC scan.

Do you know other ways to unzip files on a Mac? Share them below!

Oct 24, 2020 • Filed to: Recover & Repair Files • Proven solutions

Most people opt for the Zip format when it comes to compressing files because it is a great tool that makes the transfer of files faster due to their reduced sizes. It also ensures space is not used upon systems. Therefore, it has been adopted by both Windows and Mac-based systems for convenience.

However, you can admit it is not a positive experience to try expanding your zipped file but instead get an error message that implies you cannot open the Zip file on your Mac. This error message may show like this:

'Unable to expand filename.zip (Error 1 – Operation not permitted.)'

Don't be troubled as you have come to the right place where you will learn how to fix this error.

Part 1: What Causes Archive Utility Error 1 Unable to Expand Zip File?

Several factors can be said to be the source of the archive utility error 1 which makes it impossible for you to expand your Zip file. These factors include:

1. Instability in Network Connection: If your network connection is unstable while you are trying to extract a Zip file, then this may just be a cause for error 1. Also, instability in a network connection may occur if you close your browser before the download is completed. This only contributes to damaging your Zip file. Take note here that you may see the file in your 'Download' folders but this does not mean that you can expand it.
2. Complications from a very Large Zip File: This is another reason why you may encounter the archive utility Error 1. When you try to unzip or decompress a very large file, it could prove to be a difficulty because Archive Utility does not have the right resources to support the unzipping of very large files such as the one you may be trying to unzip.
3. Permission not granted on Zip file: Zip files on Mac have a section called 'Sharing & Permissions'. If you haven't expanded this section and set it to either 'Read & Write' or 'Read Only', then you will not be granted permission to expand the Zip file in question. Note that if you do not run this function as an administrator, it cannot work and the error will only persist.
4. Forgotten Password: If you set a password on your Zip file and you cannot remember it, then it may be the very reason why your Zip file is refusing to open. It is an obvious reason as a password will be required to access the file and permission denied to you if you cannot provide it.

Part 2: How to Fix Archive Utility Error 1 on Mac

In this section, you will be provided with three major solutions you can use to fix the archive utility error 1 on Mac. The solutions are aimed at unzipping the Zip file using other methods other than with archive utility. The solutions are discussed below:

Solution 1: Unzip in Terminal

'Terminal' is a Mac application that supports functions on a textbase by providing the OS with an interface that is the command line. The steps involved here comprise of the use of commands to perform the function of unzipping your Zip files. You can unzip your Zip files with these steps:

Step 1: Relocate your corrupt Zip File to Desktop so you can easily find it.

Step 2: Open and run 'Terminal'. There are two ways you can do this.

• Type in 'terminal' in the 'Spotlight' search field which is located at the upper-right section of the screen.

Zip Archive Utility For Mac Mojave

• Alternatively, you can open your 'Applications' folder, open the 'Utilities' window and under it, you will find 'Terminal'; select it as your option

Step 3: Change the 'Directory' to the Desktop (where you initially moved the Zip file to be unzipped). In the open 'Terminal' interface, type in these commands:

cd /desktop

Best Zip Utility For Mac

'cd' simply means 'Change Directory'

Step 4: Unzip the Zip file by typing in this command; unzip {name of the Zip file}.zip. For instance:

unzip test.zip

Now Terminal will reveal some lines of code to indicate that the Zip file has been successfully unzipped. Your files can now be accessed on your desktop.

Video Tutorial on How to Repair Damaged Zip Files With Terminal

Solution 2: Use Zipeg to Unzip

Zipeg is a free open-source program used for the compression and extraction of archive files in formats such as Zip, Rar, 7z, Tar, and so on. This software works on both Windows and Mac OS X hence it can be used to unzip your Zip files on Mac. Zipeg is a free utility and it has features that can handle the unzipping of your Zip files. It can handle archives that are made of several parts; once you can open the first part of the file in Zipeg, the software will automatically handle the rest for you.

You can use Zipeg to unzip the files you have been unable to expand with your Mac because of its unique feature previewing the data in your archive file. Then it goes ahead to extract the files you need. Simply do these and you can unzip your Zip files in no time:

1. Click the 'Open' option to add your Zip files to Zipeg. Also, you can go to the Zipeg icon and drop the archive file there. On the right of your Zip file, all its contents will appear. For a file with sub-folders, just click on it and all the contents of the sub-folders will be displayed.
2. Choose the files you desire to extract. Type in the destination you want your file to be moved to, in the 'Extract to' field: this could be on your Desktop, Documents folder, or any other location.
3. Select the 'Extract' option. Your file will be moved to your newly selected location and you can access it.

Best Zip File App For Mac

Solution 3: Using Stellar File Repair

Stellar File Repair is a software you can use to fix the archive utility error 1 which makes you unable to open your Zip file on Mac. Stellar File Repair itself supports the repair of files in Word, Excel, as well as PowerPoint documents, and not just Zip format. This tool has the capability of recovering all the data found in your corrupted file. It is so unique tool that supports the repair of bigger Zip files of up to 1. 5GB. It has an interface that makes file repair an easy process for any user so you do not have to worry about getting confused by the steps. Follow these guidelines and you will fix the error 1 facing your Zip file. You will also be able to open and recover all your data which has been affected by this error.

• Select the location of the corrupt Zip file to search for it in drive

Archive Utility Download

• Under the result section, all your corrupt Zip files will be displayed. Click on the 'Repair' option and let the process begin.

• Now you can preview your repaired Zip files.

• Save the files in a location of your choice. Now, you can expand your Zip files without the archive utility error 1 message preventing you from opening your file anymore.

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