Apple’s MacOS operating system offers high levels of security and privacy to its users. However, protection of personal files may become an important problem, especially in devices shared with other people, such as family members or friends. So, how can you hide and even encrypt files and folders on MacOS? In this guide, we will take step by step how to protect your files using both built -in macOS features and third -party software.
File hiding with MacOS’s built -in features
MacOS has built -in vehicles that allow users to hide files and folders. These methods are ideal especially for those looking for fast and simple solutions. The first step is to make hidden files visible. For this in Finder Shift + cmd +. (point) You can use the key combination. This makes hidden files and folders look in pale color.
To hide files or folders, just add a point to the beginning of their names. For example, if you want to hide a folder called “Giztihidosya ,, you can change its name to“ .Gizlidosya .. After this process, the file or folder will appear in pale color and will become invisible in normal Finder scans. Again to hide hidden files completely Shift + cmd +. You can use the key combination.
To bring back the hidden files, you must remove the point from their names and restart the Finder. Open the terminal application “Killlall Finder” You can perform this process by entering the command.
Hiding file with the terminal and making visible
In addition to Finder, you can hide files and folders through the terminal. This method is particularly suitable for users who do not want to change file names. After starting the Terminal, “CHFLAGS HIDDEN” Enter the command, and then drag the file or folder you want to hide to the terminal window. After pressing the enter button, the file or folder will be hidden.

To bring back the hidden files, “Chflags Nohidden” You can use the command. During this process, to make hidden files visible Shift + cmd +. You may need to use the key combination.
Although these methods are fast and practical, they are not fully safe. In particular, people who know MacOS’s hidden files imaging shortcut can access hidden files. At this point, third -party software comes into play for a more comprehensive protection.
Advanced Privacy with Third Party Software
Funter Free applications such as, offer the built -in features of MacOS with a more user -friendly interface. Funter allows you to view or hide hidden files with a simple transition button in the menu bar. In addition, thanks to the search feature of hidden files, you can easily find your files when you forget.
However, vehicles like Funter are limited to hiding files only. If you want to encrypt your files and add an extra safety layer, Encrypto You can choose such software. Encrypto allows you to protect files and folders by encrypt. The application works with drag-and-drop method and is quite simple to use:
- Start the Encrypto application.
- Drag the file or folder you want to encrypt into the application window.
- Set a password to protect files.
- Click the “Password” button.
As a result of this process, a encrypted file is created. You can save this file anywhere in your system. To open the encrypted file, you must use the Encrypto app and enter the password you specified.
Encrypto also allows you to share encrypted files with others. This feature is particularly useful in cases where sensitive data should be transmitted safely.
MacOS offers users multiple options to hide files and folders. While built -in features provide fast and practical solutions, third -party software provides more advanced security options. In particular, vehicles like Encrypto add an extra layer of protection by encrypt your files.
In any case, none of these methods are 100 %safe. Therefore, it is recommended that you use multiple protection methods together, especially if you have very sensitive data. For example, you can hide a encrypted file with Encrypto through the Finder or Terminal. In this way, your files are both invisible and encrypted.
File hiding and encryption in MacOS helps users protect their personal data. However, knowing the limitations of such methods and taking additional measures when necessary is the most effective way to increase your security.