What is a .XIP file?
A .XIP file is a special type of compressed file, similar to a .ZIP file, but it's used on macOS computers. It's created with a tool called .XAR, and inside, it can hold one or many files that have been made smaller using a method called GNU Zip (gzip) compression. What makes .XIP files unique is that they come with a digital signature. This signature is like a seal of approval that verifies the file comes from a trusted source and hasn't been tampered with since it was signed. Along with the files it contains, a .XIP file also stores extra information like certificates (which are part of the digital signature), and the dates and times when the archive was first made and last changed.
To open a .XIP file, you can use the Apple Archive Utility, which is a program already included with the macOS operating system. This means if you're using a Mac, you don't need to download or install anything extra to open a .XIP file. You just double-click the file, and the Apple Archive Utility will take care of unpacking the compressed files for you, so you can access what's inside.
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