How to password-protect a Mac folder

Never worry again whether your important files are protected.

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You almost certainly already know the importance of regularly backing up your computer in case of hardware failure or other issues. What’s less emphasized are tools you can use to protect your most important files in real-time through passwords and other means.

Whether it’s from the annoying co-worker with too much time on their hands or the would-be criminal who could steal your computer, there are ways to protect your files better. These include built-in solutions to ones from third parties.

Each focuses on providing better ways to protect folders rather than individual files. The reason? Once you have a folder protected, adding and removing files is far easier. Among our favorite solutions are those that follow.

Steps for better protecting your Mac files

Tools and Requirements

Step by step guide to using the macOS Disk Utility

1. Go into the Disk Utility

To get started, choose theApplications folderon your Mac. Next, click on theUtilities folder. From the list, selectDisk Utility.

2. Make an image

SelectFile > New Image > Image from Folderfrom the Disk Utility app from the menu bar.

3. Choose your folder

Find and choose thefolderalready on your Mac that you wish to password-protect. Once you do, selectChoose.

4. Save password protected folder

Type thename of the protected folderin the provided box. You can also choose the folder’s location on your Mac as needed. Then, select between128-bit and 256-bit AES encryption from the Encryption dropdown menu. For most 128-bit encryption is fine.

Enter, then re-enter apasswordfor your folder. SelectChoose.You can also click on the key icon and have your Mac create a strong password. After that, select Choose.

Using the Image Format dropdown menu, selectread/write. ClickSave. From the main Disk Utility screen, clickDoneto finish the process.

Double-click the.dmg fileto open the locked folder, then enter yourpassword. Once this password is added, you can remove files and folders from the protected disk image.

FAQs

Are there other password-protecting solutions in macOS?

Beyond Disk Utility, there are other native password-protect solutions on macOS. These tools are only available for native macOS apps and only involve protecting individual files, not folders.

First is password protection in theApple Pages, Numbers, and Keynote apps. To get started,open the fileyou wish to protect. Next, selectFile > Set Password, then follow the on-screen directions.

You can also password-protect messages in the native Notes app on macOS. To do so,right-click on the noteon the left side of the screen. SelectLock Note.Enter apassword, and selectSet Password.

How do I password-protect Mac folders using third-party tools?

There are a handful of third-party apps that you can use to protect your Mac folders better. Two of these,Encryptoand VeraCrypt, are free, while others, such asConcealer,Data Guardian, andAppCrypt, require a purchase. The freemiumFolder Lockis another option.

Each solution above offers at least bare-bones password protection for your Mac folders. However, the premium choices offer bonus features such as multiple encryption options,password generators, backups, and more.

For example, thewell-reviewed VeraCryptis available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can use it to create a virtual encrypted disk, encrypt an entire partition, or the operating system itself.

How do I create a secret folder on my Mac?

You should also consider hiding an important folder on your Mac. Under this scenario, no one will see the folder (and its many files) in the first place. To get started, you’ll want to open Terminal on your Mac, then type “chflags hidden.”  Drop the folder you wish to hide onto Terminal, then press the Return key. To unhide the folder, replace the command " chflags nohidden" above.

What about encryption?

Apple offers several different macOS, letting you encrypt your entire Mac or individual files or folders, and we’ll show you how in this guide.

Encryption involves scrambling your data, rendering it unreadable without the secret key, password, or portable RFID chip for access.

Final thoughts

Protecting your Mac files isn’t just about keeping a backup copy nearby. It also means adding a layer of protection so wandering eyes can’t see your files.Apple’s Disk Utility is a free option for password-protecting folders on your Mac. Once you use the tool, you can add and remove files and folders from this location anytime. Of course, for an outsider to get inside, they must enter the password.

Third-party solutions are also available. At a minimum, these also make it possible to password-protect folders. Some, however, also offer extra features — at a cost. Among these are automatic backups and additional ways to add authentication.

Whatever path you take, it’s important to remember how you protected your file and kept this information offline. For example, if you don’t know how to unlock a protected folder, you’ll be out of luck; Apple and third-party providersdo nothave this information.

See also thebest free password managersandbest internet security suites.

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Bryan M. Wolfe is a staff writer at TechRadar, iMore, and wherever Future can use him. Though his passion is Apple-based products, he doesn’t have a problem using Windows and Android. Bryan’s a single father of a 15-year-old daughter and a puppy, Isabelle. Thanks for reading!

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