If there are files on your computer that you don't want others who use your computer to be able to access, you can create a password protected folder (technically, it's a disk image) and place them in it. This article will walk you through the process of creating a password protected disk image.
First, create a new folder and place the files you want to protect in it. To create a new folder, right click (control + click) on the desktop.
Next, open Disk Utility. Disk Utility is a built-in utility in macOS. The quickest ways to access it are to either type "disk utility" into a Spotlight search, or access Launchpad (the F4 key on 2011 or later Macs, or the rocket ship icon in the dock), open the folder named "Other" (unless you changed it), and click Disk Utility.
Once in Disk Utility, go to File > New > Disk Image from Folder. You can then name the folder. Change "Image Format" to "read/write" if you want to be able to add files to the folder after it's created. You will still need to enter the password before you can modify its contents, so you do not have to worry about anyone else adding or accessing files.
IMPORTANT: You must choose 128-bit or 256-bit from the "Encryption" drop down, otherwise you won't be prompted to create a passcode.
It will then ask you to create a password. You can click the key icon next to the password field if you want it to suggest a password, however, as you are warned, if you forget it you will not be able to access the folder. Also be sure to un-check the "Remember password in my keychain" option or else anyone using your user account can access the folder without being prompted for the password.
After this, your disk image (folder) will be created, and the process is complete. The disk image should look something like the picture below on the left. Whenever you want to access it, double click it, and you should be prompted for the password, as shown below on the right.
After entering the passcode, this icon should appear:
When you want to close it and have the password prompt appear again next time it's opened, just drag that icon (not the .dmg file) to the trash, which will turn into an eject icon.
Bonuses
You are completely done after you complete the above steps, however, if you want, you can take additional steps to "disguise" the disk image as a true folder.
The first thing you can do is prevent the extension (.dmg) from displaying. Right click on the disk image, and choose "Get Info." Under the "Name and Extension" header, click "Hide extension."
Another thing you can do is change the icon to that of a real folder. First, find a folder, right click and choose Get Info again. Click on the icon which appears at the top.
Then press Command ⌘ + C to copy it to the clipboard. Go back to your password protected disk image and choose Get Info again. Click on the icon and press Command ⌘ + V to paste the folder icon.
We also made a custom folder icon for password protected folders that you can use. You can see and download it from Password Protected Folder Icons.
Once on your desktop, to assign the image to your protected disk image, follow the above steps as you would for a normal folder icon.
Article ID: AA1100 Thank you so very much - clear instructions! By Bob on 3/28/15 • Reply I think this is one of the clearest description of a computer procedure
that I've ever read. Whoever wrote it, should be paid a Hollywood
scriptwriter salary to write computer manuals.By a on 3/30/15 • Reply very helpful! thank you whoever wrote this. It is very clear.one thing tho, it doesn't mount to my desktop, instead it says the mount point is "/volumes/(name of my file)" how do i change that? in response to a By AppleClubSupport on 3/30/15 • Reply Unfortunately, since this is technically a disk image and not an actual folder, it will always mount to /Volumes. 😔 By Jrdnchls on 4/19/15 • Reply Very nice article. Put together very well, easy to comprehend and works great!!! Thank you.By alwaysnow on 8/03/15 • Reply Great! Clear and concise. Many thanks.By Markjeffsin on 1/07/16 • Reply Hi, then how do I remove the icon? Because one of my folder, it had been lock. And now, suddenly I can only ready, but can't write.By xox on 4/13/16 • Reply Amazing. Thank you for exuding your brilliance upon those with computer needs. |
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