Cannot open webarchive files on MacBook

What is the purpose of webarchive files? I save many web pages as webarchive files, but can't open them. It merely shows the file's location address on my computer. I have the latest MacOS 26.1 on a 15 in. 2021 MacBook M1 machine.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 26.1

Posted on Nov 23, 2025 5:01 PM

Reply
1 reply

Nov 23, 2025 5:27 PM in response to Tim L

"Cannot open webarchive files on MacBook:"

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Q1. "What is the purpose of webarchive files?"

A1. Google Search Query: What is the purpose of webarchive files?


Q2. "I save many web pages as webarchive files, but can't open them. [...]It merely shows the file's location address on my computer. I have the latest MacOS 26.1 on a 15 in. 2021 MacBook M1 machine."

A2. Opening Webarchive Files on a Mac:

You ought to be able to use a Web browser (i.e. Safari, Chrome, or Firefox) to open and view these. Does that not work?:

  1. Go to: Apple menu
  2. Select: "Open File..." or "Open Location..."

Screenshot:

Cannot open webarchive files on MacBook

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