How to Extract GZ Files on Mac

UnFox extracts standalone GZ (gzip) compressed files on Mac with drag and drop simplicity. Gzip is the most widely used compression format on Unix systems and the web. macOS Archive Utility can decompress .gz files, but UnFox provides a more reliable experience with progress tracking and better error handling for damaged files.

What Is a GZ File and How Does Mac Handle It?

GZ files use the gzip compression algorithm, which was created as a free replacement for the Unix compress utility. Gzip compresses a single file (unlike ZIP, which archives multiple files). macOS Archive Utility can decompress .gz files by double clicking, removing the .gz extension to reveal the original file. UnFox offers the same functionality with added benefits: progress tracking for large files, better handling of corrupted gzip streams, and consistent behavior across all macOS versions.

How Do You Decompress a GZ File on Mac with UnFox?

Drag the .gz file onto UnFox or open it through the File menu. UnFox reads the gzip header, decompresses the data stream, and writes the output file to your chosen destination.

Tip

For .tar.gz files, UnFox handles both the gzip decompression and TAR extraction automatically in one step.

For .tar.gz files, UnFox handles both the gzip decompression and TAR extraction automatically. For standalone .gz files, the output is a single decompressed file.
Marcel Iseli
Marcel Iseli

Creator of UnFox · Indie Developer

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Marcel Iseli is an indie developer and the creator of UnFox. He builds native macOS and iOS utilities focused on privacy, simplicity, and zero tracking. Based in Switzerland, every app he ships is a one time purchase with no subscriptions and no data collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

macOS Archive Utility decompresses .gz files natively by double clicking. UnFox provides additional features like progress tracking and better error handling for corrupted files.
A .gz file contains a single compressed file. A .tar.gz file contains a TAR archive (multiple files) compressed with gzip. UnFox handles both formats automatically.