How to Run a .Jar Java File

On Mac

1. Install Java on your computer if it isn't installed. You can't run JAR files without Java installed on your computer. If you don't already have Java installed, go to Java's website at https://www.java.com/en/download/ and click the Download button below the latest version of Java, then install Java once it downloads.

   1. When installing a non-Apple file on Mac, you may have to first click OK on the warning, click the Apple menu, click System Preferences, click Security & Privacy, unlock the menu, click Open Anyway next to the file's name, and then click Open when prompted before you can install the file.

2. Try double-clicking your JAR file. If it's executable and you have Java installed, it should open. If double-clicking the file doesn't open it, proceed to the next step.

3. Make sure your JAR file is an executable file. JAR files that you download in order to set up programs are different from "library" JAR files, which store data that a program running Java can use. Since they don't have interfaces like executable JAR files, you cannot run non-executable JAR files.

   1. For example, many of the JAR files in a program's data folders are not executable files.
   2. If you downloaded your JAR file from online, make sure you downloaded the Mac version and not another operating system's version.

4. Update Java. If your JAR file produces an error when you double-click it, you may need to update Java. To do so:

   1. Open the Apple menu
      .
   2. Click System Preferences.
   3. Click Java.
   4. Click the Update tab.
   5. Click Update Now.

5. Double-click your JAR file again. If it doesn't open this time, the file you're trying to open isn't executable and thus cannot be "run" in the traditional sense.