Hide Folders on Mac: If you share your MacBook with others or want to protect personal data from prying eyes, you may need to hide certain folders and files. This is particularly relevant if you frequently work in public places, lend your laptop to someone, or want to prevent the accidental deletion of important documents. In this post, we will explore popular methods for how to hide folders on Mac desktop and beyond.
8 Ways to Hide Files on Mac
There are various proven methods for hiding files on Mac. Some are suitable for quickly concealing folders from the desktop, while others provide more robust data protection from other users. Here are 8 ways to hide files and folders on Mac:
- The keyboard shortcut for quick file hiding. The fastest and simplest method is to use the keyboard shortcut Shift + Command + .. Select the files or folders you want to hide and press this combination. To unhide, repeat the same actions.
- Hiding files using Terminal. If you need to more securely hide folders and files on your Mac, you can use the Terminal command line. Enter the command chflags hidden, then drag the folder you wish to hide into the Terminal window. Press Enter to execute the command.
- Hiding all folders on the Mac desktop. Applications like One Switch and CleanShot X allow you to hide all icons and folders on the desktop with a single click. This is particularly convenient if you frequently share screenshots or create tutorial videos.
- Hiding folders in the hidden Library folder. If you have particularly important or confidential files, you can use the hidden Library folder built into macOS. Go to Finder ➙ Go ➙ Go to Folder, enter ~/Library and create a new folder inside for storing secret files.
- Hide a file by adding a period before its name. On macOS, files whose names begin with a period are automatically hidden in Finder and other file managers. To hide a file or folder, add a period (.) before its current name.
- Using FileVault to create invisible folders. FileVault is a built-in security feature on macOS that allows you to encrypt the entire disk, including files and folders you want to hide. Go to System Preferences ➙ Security & Privacy ➙ FileVault and follow the on-screen instructions.
- Hiding files from other users using Apple developer tools. Install the Xcode developer tools and use the setfile -a V command in Terminal to completely hide files and folders from other users at the system level.
- Moving files and folders to another account to hide them. If you share your Mac with other users, create a separate account and store confidential data there. This may be more convenient than using Terminal or manually changing file attributes.
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Final Thoughts:
Hiding files and folders on Mac is a useful skill that will help you protect confidential data, free up space on your desktop, and keep your files safe. Use the presented methods, and you will achieve the desired result.
Finally, knowing how to hide folders and files on your Mac is essential for safeguarding your privacy, maintaining a clean workspace, and preventing unauthorized access or accidental deletions. Whether you prefer quick shortcuts, robust encryption, or dedicated tools, the methods outlined in this article cater to various needs and levels of expertise.
By implementing these techniques, you can confidently manage sensitive data and ensure your Mac remains a secure and organized environment. Start exploring these options today to take full control of your digital privacy!
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Source: Blog Techtoro.io