6 Handy Ways to Hide Files on Your Mac
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If you value privacy and security, consider hiding files on your Mac. Whether it’s personal photos, sensitive documents, or confidential work files, you can take steps to protect your data from unauthorized access.
Hiding files on a Mac can be a simple and effective way to safeguard your information, and we’ll show you how with step-by-step instructions.
1. Keyboard Shortcut to Hide Files
Keyboard shortcuts make everything on Mac easier. It is the fastest way to hide files on your Mac. Select the file you wish to hide and simultaneously press theCommand + Shift + Period (.)keys. This method is great because you must repeat the same keyboard shortcut to reveal the files.
This keyboard shortcut only works in macOS Ventura or later. You can check that your Mac is updated inSystem Settings>General>Software Update.
The drawback of this method is that it doesn’t require any security verification. That means this shortcut lets anyone accessing your Mac view all your hidden files in unlocked folders. Also, you can’t use this method to hide multiple files at a time; you must repeat the keyboard command on each file and folder you wish to hide.
2. Use FileVault to Create Invisible Folders
FileVault is one ofMac’s built-in security featuresthat encode files on your Mac with a password. It is an effective way to hide files on your Mac because no one can access the hidden files without the password or credentials of your Mac. In older Macs, FileVault encryption can affect the speed of your Mac, but you can reduce this possibility by updating macOS before using FileVault.
Here are the steps to use FileVault:
If you selectAllow my iCloud account to unlock my disk, the encrypting process begins automatically. WithCreate a recovery key and do not use my iCloud account, the system generates a recovery key. You must save this recovery key because you can’t access all the files on your disk without your recovery key and password.
If your Mac has additional user accounts, their information is also encrypted. The downside is that each user can unlock the encrypted disk with their login password.
3. Use Terminal to Hide Folders
Terminal is the built-in command-line utility on your Mac that can keep your files hidden and protected. It’s a default Mac application, allowing you to usespecial Terminal commands to perform operations.
Here is how to use Terminal to hide files on your Mac:
The Terminal command to hide a file is immediate, but sometimes, it may not work as so. You need to relaunch Finder to make the file disappear when this happens.
Hold theOptionkey andControl-click theFindericon to relaunch Finder, then the file immediately disappears.
To view and reveal files in Terminal:
4. Make Files Invisible With a Dot
Another simple way to hide files on your Mac is by adding a period or dot before the file name. A common attribute of hidden Mac files is that they all start with a period, so if you save your file name with a dot, the system automatically treats it as a hidden file.
So, follow these steps to make your files invisible:
5. Hide Files With a User Account
This isn’t like the other methods where your files disappear. Instead, you can keep your files discreet by creating different user accounts on your Mac. You can also use it to separate work and personal files. By creating multiple users, you canseparate work from your personal lifeand have a dedicated account for anyone else using your account.
To create more user accounts, follow these steps:
6. Use Third-Party Apps to Hide Your Files
Several third-party apps that provide system management in macOS include features to help protect your files and data on your Mac. Most methods we discussed above work individually, which can be cumbersome.
In any case, if you deal with sensitive information and need to hide files more often, these third-party apps will help minimize time and simplify the process of toggling hidden files. Good examples of these apps includeCleanshot XandParallels Toolbox.
Keep Your Files Safe by Hiding Them
Hiding files on your Mac is a smart way to keep your data secure. The various methods and step-by-step instructions in this article ensure that you’re able to choose a suitable option and make the process quick and easy.
Even though there are other methods of protecting your confidential files from prying eyes on Mac, hiding files and folders is still a helpful way to add a layer of security to your files.
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