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Keka
File archiver for macOS
System UtilitiesFreeOpen SourceReplaces BetterZip ($25)
Keka — Official Website
Quick Take: Keka
4.8
Keka stands out as an indispensable file archiver for macOS, offering a superior and more feature-rich experience compared to the native Archive Utility. Its extensive format support, intuitive drag-and-drop interface, and robust encryption capabilities make it a top choice for both casual and power users. While a minor learning curve for advanced settings and the need for a helper tool for default integration exist, its open-source nature and continuous development solidify its position as a highly recommended utility. Keka effectively balances simplicity with powerful functionality, integrating seamlessly into the macOS workflow.
Best For
- •Users needing broad file format compatibility for archives
- •Individuals and professionals requiring secure, encrypted file sharing
- •Anyone looking for a free, open-source archiving solution for Mac
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask kekaWhat is Keka?
Keka is a robust and user-friendly file archiver for macOS, designed to simplify compression and extraction tasks. It offers extensive support for a wide array of archive formats, surpassing the capabilities of Apple's built-in Archive Utility. Keka is known for its seamless integration with the macOS environment, providing drag-and-drop functionality and contextual menu options for efficient file management.
Deep Dive: Keka's Archiving Prowess
Keka is more than just a simple file compressor; it's a meticulously crafted utility that leverages robust underlying technologies to deliver a powerful archiving experience on macOS.
History & Background
Keka's journey began in 2009 with its first stable release, quickly establishing itself as a significant upgrade over macOS's default archiving capabilities. Developed by Jorge Garcia Armero, the application has consistently evolved, with the developer regularly integrating new formats and features to meet modern archiving demands. This continuous development has ensured Keka remains a relevant and highly functional tool in the ever-changing landscape of file management.
How It Works
At its core, Keka's compression and extraction engine relies heavily on established open-source projects, most notably p7zip, which is a port of the popular 7-Zip archiver. This architectural choice provides Keka with its exceptional compatibility and high compression efficiency across various formats. The application is built to integrate natively with macOS, leveraging system services and frameworks to ensure a smooth and responsive user experience that feels like an extension of the operating system itself. Keka supports both Intel 64 and Apple Silicon architectures, ensuring optimal performance on modern Macs.
Ecosystem & Integrations
While Keka does not support a traditional plugin or extension ecosystem, its strength lies in its deep integration with macOS and its open-source nature. It seamlessly works with Finder's contextual menus and drag-and-drop operations, allowing for intuitive interaction. The 'Keka External Helper' is a notable component, enabling Keka to be set as the system-wide default archiver, overcoming macOS sandboxing limitations. The community contributes through GitHub, providing bug reports, feature requests, and translations, which directly influences the app's evolution.
Future Development
Keka's roadmap is characterized by a steady stream of updates focused on expanding format support, enhancing performance, and improving user experience. Recent updates (e.g., v1.6.0) have included using Liquid icons for newer macOS versions, enhanced XAR extraction, and updated UNRAR libraries for better compatibility. The developer actively maintains beta versions for users to test upcoming features and provides legacy versions to ensure compatibility with older macOS releases. Future developments likely involve further optimizations and adaptation to new macOS features, driven by community feedback and evolving archiving standards.
Key Features
Extensive Format Support for Extraction
Keka can extract a vast number of compressed file formats, including popular ones like 7Z, ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, XZ, LZIP, DMG, ISO, and many more obscure types such as LZMA, EXE, CAB, WIM, MSI, JAR, WAR, IPA, XIP, APK, and APPX. This broad compatibility ensures users can open almost any archive they encounter.
Comprehensive Compression Formats
Users can create archives in a variety of formats, including 7Z, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, XZ, LZIP, DMG, ISO, BROTLI, ZSTD, LRZIP, AAR, and WIM. This flexibility allows for optimal compression based on needs, whether for maximum space saving or broad compatibility.
Strong Encryption Capabilities
Keka provides robust encryption options to secure compressed files. It supports AES-256 encryption for 7Z files and Zip 2.0 legacy encryption for Zip files, ensuring privacy and safe sharing of sensitive data.
File Splitting for Large Archives
For extremely large files that exceed email or server limits, Keka offers the ability to split archives into smaller, manageable pieces. These segmented archives can then be easily reassembled to restore the original file, a crucial feature for sharing massive datasets.
Drag-and-Drop Interface
The application boasts a simple yet powerful drag-and-drop interface. Users can simply drag files or folders to the Keka Dock icon or the main window to initiate compression or extraction, streamlining the archiving process significantly.
macOS Finder Integration
Keka integrates seamlessly with macOS Finder, allowing users to compress or extract files directly from the context menu. This deep system integration provides a native-like experience, making file archiving feel like an extension of the operating system.
Password Protection
Beyond encryption, Keka allows users to password-protect archives, adding an extra layer of security. This feature is particularly useful for safeguarding confidential information before sharing or storing it.
Integrity Verification
Keka includes an option to verify archives after compression, ensuring data integrity. This helps confirm that the compressed file is not corrupted and can be successfully extracted later.
Who Should Use Keka?
1Digital Content Creator
A digital content creator needs to send a large project folder containing high-resolution images and video clips to a client. They use Keka to compress the entire folder into a single 7Z archive with AES-256 encryption, then split it into smaller, email-friendly chunks for easy transmission, ensuring data security and efficient delivery.
2IT Professional
An IT professional frequently encounters various archive formats, including legacy RAR and obscure EXE archives, from different operating systems. They rely on Keka's extensive extraction capabilities to reliably open and access the contents of these diverse files on their Mac without needing multiple specialized tools.
3Casual Mac User
A casual Mac user wants to free up disk space by archiving old documents and photos. They drag a collection of files into Keka, choose the ZIP format for broad compatibility, and then delete the original files, knowing their data is safely compressed and easily accessible when needed.
4Security-Conscious User
A security-conscious user needs to store sensitive personal financial documents in cloud storage. They use Keka to compress these documents into a password-protected 7Z archive with strong AES-256 encryption before uploading, adding a critical layer of protection against unauthorized access.
How to Install Keka
Installing Keka on macOS is a straightforward process, offering multiple methods to suit user preferences.
1
Download from Official Website
Navigate to the official Keka website (keka.io) and download the latest version of the application. The download will typically be a .dmg file.
2
Install the Application
Once the .dmg file is downloaded, double-click it to open. Drag the Keka application icon into your Applications folder. This completes the basic installation.
3
Optional: Install via Homebrew
For users who prefer command-line installations, Keka can be installed using Homebrew. Open Terminal and run 'brew install --cask keka' to install the application and keep it updated.
4
Optional: Install Helper for Default App
To set Keka as the default application for all archive types, download the 'Keka External Helper' from the Keka website's legacy page. Extract it, move it to your Desktop, and open it once. Then, enable 'External volumes access' in Keka Preferences > File Access.
Pro Tips
- • If you purchase Keka from the App Store, updates will be handled automatically through the App Store.
- • For manual downloads, ensure you are getting Keka from the official website (keka.io) or its GitHub repository for security.
- • After installation, you can drag Keka to your Dock for quick access and drag-and-drop operations.
Configuration Tips
Set Default Compression Format
To change the default format Keka uses for compression (e.g., from 7Z to ZIP), open the Keka application, go to its preferences, and navigate to the 'Compression' tab. Here, you can select your preferred default format for quick actions.
Enable External Volumes Access
If Keka struggles with permissions on external drives or specific macOS folders, download and install the 'Keka External Helper' from the official website. After running it once, ensure 'External volumes access' is enabled in Keka's File Access preferences to resolve sandboxing issues.
Force Full Disk Access for Troubleshooting
In persistent cases where Keka loses access to folders (especially on Apple Silicon Macs), grant it 'Full Disk Access' in macOS System Settings > Privacy & Security. This can resolve stubborn permission problems, though it should be used judiciously.
Utilize the Advanced Window for Specific Tasks
While drag-and-drop uses default settings, opening Keka's main window (the 'advanced window') allows for on-the-fly customization of compression format, encryption, speed, and splitting options before processing files. This is ideal for tasks requiring non-default configurations.
Alternatives to Keka
While Keka is a powerful archiver, several other macOS applications offer similar or complementary functionalities.
T
The Unarchiver
The Unarchiver is another highly popular free tool primarily focused on extraction, supporting an even wider range of obscure archive formats than Keka for decompression. However, it offers very limited compression capabilities compared to Keka's extensive creation options.
7
7-Zip (via command line or GUI wrappers)
7-Zip is renowned for its high compression ratios and strong 7z format. While native 7-Zip isn't a GUI app for Mac, its core (p7zip) powers Keka and other tools. Users can access its features via command line or third-party GUI wrappers, which might be less user-friendly than Keka's native macOS interface.
P
PeaZip
PeaZip is a free, open-source file archiver available across Linux, macOS, and Windows, based on 7-Zip and other projects. It offers a comprehensive set of archiving and encryption features, similar to Keka, but its interface might feel less native to macOS users.
W
WinRAR (for macOS)
WinRAR is a powerful archive manager primarily known for its RAR format, which Keka can extract but not create. While available for macOS, its interface and feature set might feel more Windows-centric compared to Keka's Mac-native design.
Pricing
Free, Open-Source
Keka is fundamentally a free and open-source application, available for download from its official website and GitHub. Users can also purchase Keka from the Apple App Store for a nominal one-time fee, typically around $5.99 USD. This App Store purchase serves as a way to support the developer and does not unlock additional features, as the functionality is identical to the free version.
Pros
- ✓Extensive support for both compression and extraction formats.
- ✓Intuitive drag-and-drop interface for ease of use.
- ✓Seamless integration with macOS Finder and context menus.
- ✓Strong AES-256 encryption for secure archiving.
- ✓Ability to split large files into smaller parts for easier sharing.
- ✓Completely free and open-source, promoting transparency and community contribution.
- ✓Reliable and stable performance, often praised for its robustness.
Cons
- ✗Lacks an integrated feature to preview archive contents without full extraction.
- ✗Initial distinction between default settings and the advanced window can be unclear for new users.
- ✗Requires a separate 'External Helper' tool to fully set Keka as the default archive handler system-wide.
- ✗The App Store version, while supporting development, costs money for identical features to the free version.
- ✗Some users might find the default 7Z compression format for quick actions less universally compatible than ZIP, requiring a settings change.
Community & Ecosystem
Keka benefits from an active open-source community, primarily centered around its GitHub repository. Users can report issues, suggest features, and contribute to the project's development through the 'Issues' and 'Discussions' sections. The official website (keka.io) serves as the primary hub for downloads and information, including legacy versions. While Keka doesn't have a traditional plugin ecosystem, its open-source nature allows for community-driven improvements and translations, fostering a collaborative environment.
Video Tutorials
Getting Started with Keka
Hands-On Apple3.9K views
More Tutorials
How to Install and Use Keka on macOS | Free File Compression & Extraction Tool
Easy Tech Steps • 89 views
How to EXTRACT Your .7z File on a Mac Computer using Keka | New
ComputerScienceVideos • 33.5K views
How to Highly Compress Files with Keka for macOS
EvilComp • 2.7K views
Frequently Asked Questions about Keka
Yes, Keka is a free and open-source application available for download directly from its official website (keka.io) and GitHub. The version on the Apple App Store is identical but is offered as a paid option for users who wish to support the developer.
Our Verdict
4.8/5
Keka stands out as an indispensable file archiver for macOS, offering a superior and more feature-rich experience compared to the native Archive Utility. Its extensive format support, intuitive drag-and-drop interface, and robust encryption capabilities make it a top choice for both casual and power users. While a minor learning curve for advanced settings and the need for a helper tool for default integration exist, its open-source nature and continuous development solidify its position as a highly recommended utility. Keka effectively balances simplicity with powerful functionality, integrating seamlessly into the macOS workflow.
Best for:Users needing broad file format compatibility for archivesIndividuals and professionals requiring secure, encrypted file sharingAnyone looking for a free, open-source archiving solution for Mac
About the Author
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Related Technologies & Concepts
macOSFile ArchiverCompressionExtractionEncryption7zZIPRAROpen SourceApple Silicon
macOS (Primary operating system for the app), File Archiver (Core functionality of the app), Compression (Key process performed by the app), Extraction (Key process performed by the app), Encryption (Security feature within the app), 7z (Supported archive format), ZIP (Supported archive format), RAR (Supported archive format (extraction)), Open Source (Development model of the app), Apple Silicon (Supported processor architecture)
Related Topics
File Compression & Decompression
This cluster covers applications and techniques for reducing file sizes and extracting content from various archive formats.
macOS Utilities
A collection of essential tools and applications designed to enhance the functionality and user experience on Apple's macOS operating system.
Data Security & Privacy
Applications and methods focused on protecting digital information through encryption, password protection, and secure handling.
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Feb 15, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Keka can create files in 7Z, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, XZ, LZIP, DMG, ISO, BROTLI, ZSTD, LRZIP, AAR, WIM formats.[1, 13, 18]
- Keka can extract files in 7Z, ZIP, ZIPX, RAR, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, XZ, LZIP, DMG, ISO, BROTLI, ZSTD, LRZIP, LZMA, EXE, CAB, WIM, MSI, PAX, JAR, WAR, IPA, XIP, APK, APPX, XPI, WPRESS, IS3, CPGZ, CPIO, CPT, SPK formats.[1, 13, 18]
- Keka uses AES-256 encryption for 7Z files and Zip 2.0 legacy encryption for Zip files.[1, 6]
- Keka is free and open-source, available from its website and GitHub.[9, 18, 19]
- Keka can be purchased from the App Store for a fee (e.g., $5.99 USD) to support development, with no additional features.[1, 18, 32]
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