{"id":2629,"date":"2025-01-15T09:00:31","date_gmt":"2025-01-15T10:00:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/?p=2629"},"modified":"2025-01-21T23:28:43","modified_gmt":"2025-01-21T23:28:43","slug":"how-to-hide-a-folder-on-mac","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/2025\/01\/15\/how-to-hide-a-folder-on-mac\/","title":{"rendered":"How to Hide a Folder on Mac"},"content":{"rendered":"

Maybe it\u2019s a work project, personal files, or just something you don\u2019t want cluttering your desktop. Whatever the reason, hiding a folder on a Mac is easier than you might think, and there are plenty of ways to do it.<\/p>\n

The good news? You don\u2019t need to be a tech wizard to get it done. macOS offers some built-in tools and tricks that make hiding folders quick and simple. <\/p>\n

Also, if you\u2019re feeling creative or need an extra layer of security, there are more advanced options too.<\/p>\n

\"Hide<\/figure>\n

In this guide, I\u2019ll walk you through eight different ways to hide a folder on Mac. Whether you prefer using Terminal commands, simple renaming tricks, or creating encrypted storage, there\u2019s a method here that\u2019ll work for you. <\/p>\n

Here are the methods to hide a folder on macOS.<\/p>\n

\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Method<\/th>\n Description<\/th>\nDifficulty<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
Using Terminal<\/a><\/td>\nHide a folder with the chflags hidden<\/code> command.<\/td>\nIntermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Adding a Period<\/a><\/td>\nRename the folder with a period at the start to hide it.<\/td>\nEasy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Moving to Hidden Location<\/a><\/td>\nPlace the folder in a directory like ~\/Library<\/code>.<\/td>\nEasy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Changing Permissions<\/a><\/td>\nRestrict access by setting permissions to \u201cNo Access.\u201d<\/td>\nIntermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Compressing Folder<\/a><\/td>\nZip the folder and remove the original to hide it.<\/td>\nEasy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Fake File Extension<\/a><\/td>\nRename the folder with a system-like file extension.<\/td>\nEasy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Using Automator<\/a><\/td>\nCreate a script to toggle folder visibility.<\/td>\nIntermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Encrypted Disk Image<\/a><\/td>\nStore the folder in a password-protected disk image.<\/td>\nIntermediate<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n
<\/div>\n

1. Hide a Folder Using Terminal<\/h4>\n

Terminal is a straightforward way to hide folders on your Mac. Follow these steps to make a folder invisible:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Open Terminal:<\/strong> Press Command<\/kbd> + Space<\/kbd> to open Spotlight Search, type Terminal<\/strong>, and hit Enter<\/kbd>.<\/li>\n
  2. Navigate to the Folder\u2019s Parent Directory:<\/strong> Use the cd<\/code> command to change to the folder\u2019s location. For example:\n
    cd \/path\/to\/parent\/directory<\/pre>\n<\/li>\n
  3. Run the Command to Hide the Folder:<\/strong> Type the following command and press Enter<\/kbd>:\n
    chflags hidden foldername<\/pre>\n
    Replace foldername<\/code> with the exact name of the folder you want to hide.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n
  4. Check the Results:<\/strong> Open Finder and navigate to the parent directory. The folder will no longer be visible.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
    How to Unhide the Folder<\/h5>\n
    If you need to make the folder visible again, follow these steps:<\/p>\n
      \n
    1. Open Terminal.<\/li>\n
    2. Run this command:<\/li>\n
      chflags nohidden foldername<\/pre>\n
    3. Press Enter<\/kbd>. The folder will reappear in Finder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      Using this method, you can easily hide or unhide any folder without needing third-party tools.<\/p>\n
      <\/div>\n
      2. Hide a Folder by Adding a Period (.) to Its Name<\/h4>\n
      macOS automatically hides any file or folder that starts with a period (.). Here\u2019s how to use this simple trick to hide your folder:<\/p>\n
        \n
      1. Locate the Folder:<\/strong> Open Finder and navigate to the folder you want to hide.<\/li>\n
      2. Rename the Folder:<\/strong> Right-click the folder, select Rename<\/strong>, and add a period (.) at the beginning of the folder\u2019s name. For example, change MyFolder<\/code> to .MyFolder<\/code>, then press Enter<\/kbd> to save.<\/li>\n
      3. Confirm the Folder is Hidden:<\/strong> The folder will immediately disappear from Finder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
        How to View Hidden Folders<\/h5>\n
        If you want to access the folder later, you can reveal hidden files in Finder:<\/p>\n
          \n
        1. Press Command<\/kbd> + Shift<\/kbd> + .<\/kbd> (period). This toggles hidden files on and off.<\/li>\n
        2. Navigate to the parent directory of the hidden folder. You\u2019ll see the folder grayed out.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
          How to Unhide the Folder<\/h5>\n
          To make the folder permanently visible again:<\/p>\n
            \n
          1. Rename the folder and remove the period at the beginning of its name.<\/li>\n
          2. Press Enter<\/kbd>. The folder will now appear as a normal, visible folder in Finder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
            This method is quick, easy, and doesn\u2019t require any special tools.<\/p>\n
            <\/div>\n
            3. Hide a Folder by Moving It to a Hidden System Location<\/h4>\n
            macOS has hidden system directories, such as the Library<\/code> folder, where you can store files or folders out of plain sight. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
              \n
            1. Access the Hidden Library Folder:<\/strong> Open Finder, press Command<\/kbd> + Shift<\/kbd> + G<\/kbd>, type ~\/Library<\/code>, and press Enter<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
            2. Move Your Folder:<\/strong> Drag the folder you want to hide into the Library folder or its subfolders. For added security, place it deep inside multiple subdirectories.<\/li>\n
            3. Access the Folder Later:<\/strong> Use the Command<\/kbd> + Shift<\/kbd> + G<\/kbd> shortcut to navigate back to its location.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
              Why Use This Method?<\/h5>\n
              Moving a folder to the Library directory or other hidden system locations keeps it out of view without any renaming or attributes. It\u2019s perfect for casual hiding.<\/p>\n
              How to Make the Library Folder Visible<\/h5>\n
                \n
              1. Open Finder and go to your home directory (click Go > Home<\/strong>).<\/li>\n
              2. Click View<\/strong> in the menu bar and select Show View Options<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
              3. Check the box next to Show Library Folder<\/strong> to make it permanently visible in Finder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                <\/div>\n
                4. Hide a Folder by Changing Permissions<\/h4>\n
                You can restrict access to a folder by changing its permissions to \u201cNo Access.\u201d This method ensures that the folder can\u2019t be opened or viewed without altering the settings.<\/p>\n
                  \n
                1. Locate the Folder:<\/strong> Right-click the folder you want to hide and select Get Info<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                2. Modify Permissions:<\/strong> In the Sharing & Permissions<\/strong> section, click the lock icon to make changes (enter password if prompted). Change the \u201ceveryone\u201d permission setting to No Access<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                3. Save the Changes:<\/strong> Click the lock icon again to save and lock the changes.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                  What Happens Next?<\/h5>\n
                  The folder will still be visible in Finder, but any attempt to open it will result in a \u201cYou don\u2019t have permission\u201d message.<\/p>\n
                  How to Restore Access<\/h5>\n
                    \n
                  1. Right-click the folder and select Get Info<\/strong>.<\/li>\n
                  2. Unlock the Sharing & Permissions<\/strong> section by clicking the lock icon and entering your password.<\/li>\n
                  3. Change \u201ceveryone\u201d back to Read & Write<\/strong> or the appropriate setting.<\/li>\n
                  4. Lock the permissions again by clicking the lock icon.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                    This method is useful for casual hiding and restricting access to specific users on the same Mac.<\/p>\n
                    <\/div>\n
                    5. Hide a Folder by Compressing It<\/h4>\n
                    Compressing a folder into a `.zip` file is a quick way to \u201chide\u201d it while keeping its contents intact. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
                      \n
                    1. Locate the Folder:<\/strong> Find the folder you want to hide in Finder.<\/li>\n
                    2. Compress the Folder:<\/strong> Right-click the folder and select Compress [Folder Name]<\/strong>. macOS will create a compressed file with the same name, ending in .zip<\/code>.<\/li>\n
                    3. Hide or Move the Compressed File:<\/strong> Delete the original folder and move the `.zip` file to a less noticeable location, such as a hidden directory or deep inside subfolders.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                      Learn more about the .zip command<\/a><\/p>\n
                      How to Access the Folder Again<\/h5>\n
                        \n
                      1. Double-click the `.zip` file to extract its contents back into the original folder.<\/li>\n
                      2. The extracted folder will appear in the same directory as the `.zip` file.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                        This method is ideal for temporary hiding and organizing sensitive files.<\/p>\n
                        <\/div>\n
                        6. Hide a Folder by Renaming It with a Fake File Extension<\/h4>\n
                        You can disguise a folder by changing its name to look like a system file or an uncommon file type. This makes it less noticeable. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
                          \n
                        1. Locate the Folder:<\/strong> Find the folder you want to hide in Finder.<\/li>\n
                        2. Rename the Folder:<\/strong> Right-click the folder, select Rename<\/strong>, and change its name by adding a fake extension like .app<\/code>, .pkg<\/code>, or .log<\/code>. Example: Rename MyFolder<\/code> to MyFolder.pkg<\/code>.<\/li>\n
                        3. Check the Results:<\/strong> The folder will now look like a file with the fake extension and won\u2019t behave like a folder when clicked.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                          How to Access the Folder Again<\/h5>\n
                            \n
                          1. Right-click the folder and select Rename<\/strong> again.<\/li>\n
                          2. Remove the fake file extension (e.g., change MyFolder.pkg<\/code> back to MyFolder<\/code>).<\/li>\n
                          3. Press Enter<\/strong> to restore it as a normal folder.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                            This method works well for casual hiding and avoids making permanent changes to the folder.<\/p>\n
                            <\/div>\n
                            7. Hide a Folder Using Automator<\/h4>\n
                            Automator allows you to create a custom script to quickly hide or unhide a folder. Here\u2019s how to set it up:<\/p>\n
                              \n
                            1. Open Automator:<\/strong> Press Command<\/kbd> + Space<\/kbd>, type Automator<\/strong>, and press Enter<\/kbd>.<\/li>\n
                            2. Create a New Workflow:<\/strong> When prompted, choose Quick Action<\/strong> as the workflow type.<\/li>\n
                            3. Add a \u201cRun Shell Script\u201d Action:<\/strong> Search for \u201cRun Shell Script\u201d in the left sidebar, drag it into the workflow area, and paste this script:\n
                              chflags hidden \"$@\"<\/pre>\n<\/li>\n
                            4. Save the Workflow:<\/strong> Go to File > Save<\/strong> and name your workflow (e.g., \u201cHide Folder\u201d).<\/li>\n
                            5. Use the Quick Action:<\/strong> Right-click the folder you want to hide, go to Quick Actions<\/strong>, and select your script (e.g., \u201cHide Folder\u201d).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                              How to Unhide the Folder<\/h5>\n
                              Create a second Automator script to toggle visibility back:<\/p>\n
                                \n
                              1. Repeat the steps above, but use this shell script instead:<\/li>\n
                                chflags nohidden \"$@\"<\/pre>\n
                              2. Save the workflow as \u201cUnhide Folder.\u201d<\/li>\n
                              3. Right-click the hidden folder, go to Quick Actions<\/strong>, and select \u201cUnhide Folder.\u201d<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                This method is convenient for frequent hiding and unhiding of folders without needing to manually use Terminal.<\/p>\n
                                <\/div>\n
                                8. Hide a Folder by Creating an Encrypted Disk Image<\/h4>\n
                                You can securely hide a folder by storing it in an encrypted disk image. This method provides both privacy and security. Here\u2019s how:<\/p>\n
                                  \n
                                1. Open Disk Utility:<\/strong> Press Command<\/kbd> + Space<\/kbd>, type Disk Utility<\/strong>, and press Enter<\/kbd>.<\/li>\n
                                2. Create a New Disk Image:<\/strong> Click File > New Image > Blank Image<\/strong>. In the dialog box, set these key options:\n
                                  \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
                                  Name<\/td>\nName the disk image<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Size<\/td>\nChoose a size for your folder\u2019s contents<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Format<\/td>\nSet to Mac OS Extended (Journaled)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Encryption<\/td>\nSelect 128-bit<\/strong> or 256-bit AES<\/strong> encryption<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Password<\/td>\nCreate a secure password<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
                                  Image Format<\/td>\nSet to Read\/Write<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n
                                3. Save and Mount the Disk Image:<\/strong> Click Save<\/strong>, then double-click the disk image file to mount it as a virtual drive.<\/li>\n
                                4. Move Your Folder Into the Disk Image:<\/strong> Drag the folder into the mounted disk image, then eject to secure the contents.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                  How to Access the Folder<\/h5>\n
                                    \n
                                  1. Double-click the disk image file and enter the password to mount it.<\/li>\n
                                  2. Access the contents as you would with any other drive.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
                                    This method ensures your folder is both hidden and encrypted, making it ideal for sensitive files.<\/p>\n
                                    The post How to Hide a Folder on Mac<\/a> appeared first on Hongkiat<\/a>.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
                                    Maybe it\u2019s a work project, personal files, or just something you don\u2019t want cluttering your desktop. Whatever the reason, hiding a folder on a Mac is easier than you might think, and there are plenty of ways to do it. The good news? You don\u2019t need to be a tech wizard to get it done….<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":2631,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2629","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-inspiration"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2629","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2629"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2629\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2632,"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2629\/revisions\/2632"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2631"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2629"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2629"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/fdswebdesign.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2629"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}