Suppose you have confidential or sensitive data stored on your MacBook intended for private use. And you give this laptop systemically, or occasionally, to another individual who may use the same user account as you do for a reason. You must, therefore, hide your files and make sure that nobody comes to them without your knowledge.
As you know, certain files can be totally protected from someone else's view. All you need is to lock your Mac with a password for the required folder. Of course, you can use one among a huge number of third-party applications that provide file and directory encryption, but we suggest that you first try Mac onboard applications.
Method 1: How to Lock a Folder on Mac Using TechyCub Mac Cleaner (Recommended)Method 2: How to Lock a Folder on Mac ManuallyConclusion
Method 1: How to Lock a Folder on Mac Using TechyCub Mac Cleaner (Recommended)
You might like to hide and encrypt files on Mac, but you don't find the right processing methods.
It is so simple than you can imagine, simply go to TechyCub Mac Cleaner and find a shredder tool to do so.
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1. Run TechyCub Mac Cleaner
Start your Mac device with TechyCub Mac Cleaner. A range of device statuses will be shown on the main interface.
2. Select Shredder
The page shows you a wide selection of tools, to proceed with the process, select Shredder.
3. Choose a Folder
Click the "+" button to choose a folder to scan. After you choose the files, to complete this step, press the Shred button.
4. Begin to Shred Files
Then, you will see all the files from the folder listed on the screen. Simply tick the files that you want to permanently delete and click the "Shred" button again. Wait till the process is finished.
Using this tool to shred files, then no one will be able to recover these files because they will be removed forever. This is how you hide these files on your Mac.
That’s it! You’re done! Such a simple way to hide/encrypt your files on Mac right?
Method 2: How to Lock a Folder on Mac Manually
You will need to open the Disk Utility and generate an image of the disk on the folder for encryption and password to protect your folders from Mac. You can do this by searching Spotlight or opening Apps > Utilities > Disk Utility. Follow these steps then.
- Select file > new image > folder image from your menu bar after opening the Disk Utility.
- Browse, select, and click on the folder you want to protect.
- Select the location of the new directory image in the next window and give it an additional name or add a tag as an option.
- Then, from the two options, select your Encryption. Cryption with 128-bit AES is a bit faster, however, 256-bit is safer for encryption/decryption.
- The password you wish to specify for the image folder is then prompted for creation and verification. Make sure you remember or write down a password somewhere. You can not access the folder image if you forget it.
- Next, choose the format of the image. You can select Read-Only if you only wish to view the folder. However, if you desire a change in the folder, like adding other items, then select Read / Write.
- Click Save upon completing the process. In the Disk Utility window, you can view the progress of the operation. It might take a few minutes depending on how many items you have in the folder. When it's completed, click Done.
- Navigate to where the image folder has been stored and double-click. It's got the DMG format.
- When prompted in the image folder, enter your created password and click OK. Alternatively, you can check the box for the keychain to remember your password. Checking this box does not however mean that a password is required to open it. However.
- You are going to see your folder's mounted disk image now. Just a double click will open it and you will add, access, or delete items as usual.
You will want to password protection by removing it when you finish using the folder. Right-click and choose "folder name" for Eject.
Next time you want to access the directory, simply double-click on the DMG file and enter the password.
You will notice the untouched nature of your original folder. This process creates a disk image of your folder with the above steps. So, your original doesn't happen. If you want you can move or delete it and just use the password-protected DMG file.
As previously stated, just keep that password in mind, or save it! If the disk image is not removed and simply closed by ejecting it as described above, you will not be asked to use the password if it is reopened. Unmounts the disk image to keep it secure and each time it uses the DMG file, it requires a password.
Conclusion
You got it, we learned how to lock a folder on Mac by using the Shredder tool fromTechyCub Mac Cleaner. The two methods you choose are the most suitable for your convenience. In addition to hidden files, up to 6 more powerful tools are available in the app. You have an in-depth guide on locking a folder on Mac to avoid stressing about it.
And, naturally, you can improve your Mac with the tips we gave above after you securely lock your file successfully. We hope you learned how to make the most of your device to do more. Don't forget to talk to friends about these tips!
