Keka icon

Keka

Open SourceFree

Keka is a free and open-source compression and decompression software that supports multiple formats including ZIP, 7Z, RAR, TAR, and GZIP. Specifically designed for macOS, it is lightweight and efficient, making it the ideal assistant for managing compressed files.

Keka: A Powerful File Archiving Tool for macOS

Current Version: v1.6.0 (as of September 12, 2025)

Overview

Keka is a free and open-source file archiving tool specifically designed for macOS and iOS systems. It offers a simple yet powerful way to manage various compression formats, with encryption support to ensure data security and privacy. Highly regarded within the macOS community, Keka is known for its lightweight design, high performance, and comprehensive feature set.

Key Features

Comprehensive Format Support

  • Compression Formats: 7Z, ZIP, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, XZ, DMG, ISO
  • Decompression Formats: Supports over 20 formats, including RAR (including RAR5), 7Z, LZMA, XZ, ZIP, ZIPX, TAR, GZIP, BZIP2, DMG, ISO, PAX, PKG, APM, ARJ, CAB, CHM, CPIO, CRX, DEB, HFS, LZH, LZMA, MSI, NSIS, RPM, UDF, WIM, XAR, Z, etc.
  • Split Archives: Supports creating split archive files for convenient storage of large files

Security and Privacy Protection

  • Strong Encryption: Supports AES-256 encryption (7Z format) and ZIP 2.0 traditional encryption
  • Password Protection: Set passwords for archives to secure sensitive data
  • Secure Deletion of Source Files: Option to securely delete original files after compression to prevent data recovery

User-Friendly Interface Design

  • Clean and Intuitive Interface: Drag-and-drop operations for compression and extraction
  • Finder Integration: Right-click menu support in Finder for quick access
  • Menu Bar Tool: Can remain in the menu bar for instant access to core functions
  • Customizable Settings: Including default compression format, password, compression level, etc.

Performance and Efficiency

  • Multi-threaded Compression: Utilizes multi-core processors to boost compression speed
  • Batch Processing: Handle multiple files or folders simultaneously
  • Automation Support: Compatible with AppleScript or Automator for automated workflows
  • Background Processing: Compression/extraction runs in the background without interfering with other tasks

Key Advantages

1. Fully Free and Open Source

  • Released under the GNU General Public License (GPL)
  • No ads, no in-app purchases, no feature restrictions
  • Transparent source code, community-driven development

2. Deep System Integration

  • Designed specifically for macOS with perfect UI/UX compatibility
  • Supports native features such as Dark Mode and Notification Center
  • Configurable via System Preferences

3. Multi-Platform Support

  • Available for iOS and iPadOS in addition to macOS
  • Supports Universal Binary for compatibility with both Apple Silicon and Intel processors

4. Internationalization Support

  • Multilingual interface (continuously updated via translation projects)
  • Active community support and documentation resources

5. Stable and Reliable

  • Regularly updated and maintained with frequent new releases
  • Detailed release history and version notes
  • Active issue tracking and problem resolution

Use Cases

Personal Users

  • Daily file compression to save storage space
  • Encrypting sensitive documents (e.g., financial records, personal data)
  • Splitting large files for easier email sharing or cloud storage

Developers

  • Packaging project files
  • Handling various open-source software packages
  • Integration with automation scripts

Cross-Platform Collaboration

  • Processing compressed files from Windows (RAR) or Linux (TAR.GZ)
  • Creating cross-platform compatible archives

Getting Started and Installation

Official Channels

  1. App Store: Available on Mac App Store
  2. Direct Download: DMG installer package provided

Specific Versions

  • For specific historical versions, visit the GitHub Releases page
  • Legacy compatibility information is available on the official website

Community and Support

Resources

  • GitHub Issues: Report bugs or request new features
  • GitHub Wiki: Comprehensive usage documentation and tutorials
  • Discussions: Engage with other users to share experiences
  • Translation Project: Contribute to multilingual localization efforts

Project Status

  • GitHub Stars: 6.2k+ (continuously growing)
  • Active Maintenance: Latest release in September 2025
  • Community Contributions: 72 main contributors + 58 additional contributors

System Requirements

  • Operating System: macOS 10.10 or later
  • Processor: Supports both Intel and Apple Silicon (M-series)
  • Disk Space: Approximately 50 MB for installation

Keka has become one of the most popular file archiving tools on macOS, thanks to its comprehensive format support, robust encryption capabilities, and excellent user experience. Whether for everyday use or professional needs, Keka delivers a reliable and efficient solution for compression and extraction. As an open-source software, it not only offers powerful features but also benefits from active community support and continuous updates—making it the top choice for macOS users managing compressed files.

All software data on this site is synchronized from the Awesome mac project. Copyright belongs to original authors.

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