Add, move, and replace
Use Add or drag and drop to add items, move them into folders within the ZIP, or replace a file.
MetalArchiver / Support
Guides & support
From everyday operation to troubleshooting.
01
Getting started
Open a ZIP
Open an archive to browse its files and folders. Search with ⌘F, enter a folder with ⌘↓, and go back with ⌘↑.
Extract what you need
Select items and choose a destination, or drag them to Finder. Extracting files leaves the original archive entries in place.
Create a ZIP
Choose New Archive, add files or folders, then choose Create and a destination. Creating AES-256 encrypted ZIPs requires Pro.
02 · Pro
Organize an open ZIP in place
Rename and create folders
Select one item and press Return to rename it. Create a folder inside the ZIP from the context menu.
ZIP Trash
Deleted items move to trash inside the ZIP—not Finder Trash—and can be restored to their original locations.
Permanent deletion and optimization
Permanent deletion, emptying ZIP Trash, and optimization make affected items unrecoverable. Restore anything needed first.
Encryption and passwords
Extracting AES ZIPs and removing encryption are Free features. Creating AES-256 ZIPs, encrypting existing ZIPs, and changing passwords require Pro. The correct password is required to access an encrypted archive.
Encryption changes, password changes, and encryption removal also optimize the ZIP, making trashed items unrecoverable. Restore anything you need first. Deleting items alone does not necessarily reduce the ZIP’s file size immediately.
03
Keyboard essentials
- ⌘ O
- Open a ZIP
- ⌘ F
- Focus archive search
- ⇧ ⌘ E
- Choose an extraction destination
- ⌘ ↓ / ⌘ ↑
- Enter a folder / go to its parent
- Return
- Rename an item (Pro)
- ⌘ Delete
- Move to ZIP Trash (Pro)
- Esc
- Cancel an operation
These work while the archive list has focus. Delete shortcuts do not remove items while you are typing in a field.
04
Troubleshooting
A ZIP will not open
Check whether the ZIP is incomplete or can be downloaded again. MetalArchiver stops before writing output when it finds an unsupported method, CRC mismatch, or unsafe path.
An AES password is rejected
Check Caps Lock, character width, and leading or trailing spaces. MetalArchiver cannot recover a forgotten password.
Saving or extraction fails
Choose the destination again and check write access and available disk space. Try another location or name when necessary.
Pro is not unlocked after purchase
Check your internet connection and Mac App Store sign-in, then choose Restore Purchases from the purchase screen or Settings.
Editing controls are unavailable
Check that Pro is active, an AES ZIP has been authenticated, and no other operation is running. The first edit also requires folder access.
05
Specifications & FAQ
Which Macs are supported?
MetalArchiver is designed for Apple Silicon Macs (M1 or later) running macOS 14 or later.
Can it open standard and encrypted ZIPs?
It supports ZIP, ZIP64, and WinZip AES-256 ZIP archives. Encrypted archives require their password. Extraction of supported formats is planned for the Free offering.
Are my files uploaded?
Compression, extraction, and editing run on your Mac. Files and passwords are not sent to an external server. Pro purchases and restores use Apple’s store services.
When and where can I get it?
MetalArchiver is being prepared for the Mac App Store. The release date and store link will be posted here when confirmed.
Can I restore files deleted inside a ZIP?
With Pro, select an item in ZIP Trash and choose Restore to return it to its original location. This is separate from Finder’s Trash. Permanently deleting an item, emptying ZIP Trash, or optimizing the ZIP makes the affected items unrecoverable, so restore anything you need first.
What happens when the 14-day Pro trial ends?
MetalArchiver switches to Free automatically and you are not charged. Free features—including opening, searching, full or partial extraction, and creating standard ZIPs—remain available. You can make a one-time Pro purchase whenever you want to use Pro features again.
Additional languages
See the languages page for available language packs and installation instructions.
View additional languages →Inspecting and deleting the operation log
Use Details, Copy, or Show Log in an error message to inspect troubleshooting information. The operation log is stored at:
~/Library/Containers/com.bridgedevs.metalarchiver/Data/Library/Logs/MetalArchiver/operations.logOpen the parent folder using Finder’s Go → Go to Folder. The log is not uploaded automatically and you can delete it. It includes archive display names, so review it before sharing.
06
Contact support
Include the app version and build, macOS version and Mac model, ZIP type, the operation attempted, and the error shown, then email support@bridgedevs.com.
Do not send the ZIP itself or an AES password. Logs are never sent automatically. Review and attach one only when needed.