unpkg ☆

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Description:
Unarchiver for .pkg and .mpkg that unpacks all the files in a package

Type: Cask | Latest Version: 4.8@0 | Tracked Since: Dec 28, 2025

Links: Homepage | formulae.brew.sh

Category: Developer tools

Tags: macos utility unarchiver developer-tools cli

Install: brew install --cask unpkg

About:
unpkg is a command-line utility that acts as a universal unarchiver specifically for macOS installer packages (.pkg and .mpkg). It extracts all the payload files from a package without executing the installer script, allowing you to inspect the contents safely. This is useful for developers and power users who need to access files embedded within an installer or verify package contents.

Key Features:

Extracts all files from .pkg and .mpkg archives
Does not require root privileges or installation
Provides a simple command-line interface
Safe inspection of package contents without running installer scripts

Use Cases:

Inspecting files contained within a macOS installer without installing it
Extracting specific application assets from a .pkg file
Debugging or auditing package contents for security review

Alternatives:

xar – xar is a lower-level tool for manipulating xar archives; unpkg is purpose-built for extracting .pkg contents with a simpler interface.
Pacifist – Pacifist is a GUI application with advanced features; unpkg is a lightweight, scriptable command-line alternative.

Version History

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