Hide Your Mac Files With 6 Simple Methods

Whether you have nosy roommates or want extra privacy in a coworking space, there are ways to hide files on your Mac. These six methods include using the shortcut command, using a period, FileVault, Terminal, Library, and third-party apps.

You'll also need to secure your device to ensure those hidden files stay secure from hackers and other online criminals. It's worth taking seriously. According to our antivirus survey, only 34% of Mac users have antivirus software installed — leaving the majority without a critical layer of protection. 

We've broken down all your options here and provided recommendations for antivirus software to keep your system secure.

How to hide files on your Mac

There are several ways to hide files on your Mac, ranging from a simple keyboard shortcut to more advanced options like Terminal commands and third-party apps. Here's a breakdown of each method so you can choose what works best for your situation.

1. Shortcut command

Keyboard shortcuts on a Mac are a piece of cake. To hide a file, you need only a short combination:

1. Click the file's icon
2. Simultaneously press Shift + Command + . (period)

To unhide the file, repeat the same process. Just know that anyone who knows how to do this can find your files. It's not the most secure method, but at least it's something.

2. FileVault

FileVault is a Mac feature that's more secure than the simple keyboard command. Since other Mac users can use the keyboard shortcut to find your hidden files, this is a better option if you need a password-protected file-hiding option.

1. Go to System Settings in the Apple menu and select Privacy & Security.
2. Select the FileVault tab, then click the lock icon to allow changes.
3. Click Turn On FileVault.
4. Choose the recovery method and click Continue.
5. Click Continue to execute the setup process.
6. Choose either iCloud recovery or passcode recovery.

3. Terminal

Terminal is another native option that allows you to hide files and folders. To use Terminal, you just need to follow a few simple steps:

1. Open Terminal by clicking Finder > Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
2. Type the script "chflags hidden."
3. Drop the file/folder into the Terminal window.
4. Click Enter.

4. Library

Library is Mac's default hidden folder. You can also use it to mask your own files by executing the following commands:

1. In the Finder menu, click Go.
2. Click Go to Folder.
3. Type ~/Library and hit Enter.
4. Create a new secret folder and drop it into the Library folder.

5. Rename with a period

If you want to bury a file in the annals of your Mac's storage, you can do so by starting the filename with a period so it doesn't appear in Finder. Be careful, however, because other people who know this trick may be able to figure it out. This strategy can be combined with other methods to make files even more difficult to locate.

6. Third-party apps

There are a variety of third-party apps that help you hide files on your Mac.

Some, like Funter, are free, while others, like Forklift and Parallels Toolbox, can be trialed for free but require purchase to continue.

Why should I hide files on my Mac?

There are plenty of reasons you might want to hide files on your Mac. If you live with a roommate who loves to snoop, use a coworking space, have kids who may access the family Mac, or even share a computer with a parent, you may want to mask your files.

If you want to install security software and make it more difficult for a hacker to access or uninstall, hiding the file paths adds an extra layer of security. Your Mac also runs via key functions that you may want to protect from accidental deletion.

In addition to Apple's proprietary features, you can also use:

• Password managers with file storage
• Cloud vaults
• Antivirus for additional security
• Removable hard drives
• Flash drives and other removable storage

Best antivirus software for protecting files

If you're going to go to all the trouble of hiding your files, make sure you have antivirus software to protect your overall system. Macs have a reputation as being less susceptible to viruses, Trojans, and ransomware than PCs, but the data tells a different story. According to our independent research, 44% of Mac users say they've gotten a virus even with antivirus software installed — the highest rate among operating systems.

It goes to show that not all antivirus software is created equal, which is why we test software before making recommendations. Our top antivirus picks for macOS include TotalAV, MacKeeper, and Avast. We recommend TotalAV because it bundles a secure password manager and an affordable cloud storage solution for ultimate privacy.

How to show hidden files

Once you've hidden your files, you'll need to be able to access them again. Here's how to access each method we suggested above to show your hidden Mac files.

1. If you use the keyboard shortcut, just enter it again to reveal the hidden file.
2. For FileVault users, enter your iCloud password or your recovery key.
3. In Terminal, open the "chflags hidden" folder and access files.
4. You can access the Library folder the same way you did to hide the files, so you can access the hidden folder you created.
5. If you renamed the file with a period, type the exact file name in Finder with the period at the start.
6. If you used a third-party app, review its documentation for instructions on hiding and retrieving files.

Bottom line

The shortcut command is a quick fix that may be great if you need to step away from your computer for a moment. FileVault is a built-in security feature for additional protection. Terminal lets you access your Mac from a different perspective, which is especially great if you're comfortable with code. Library access buries your files in your Mac's system, and third-party apps offer additional security from the outside.

We recommend checking out top antivirus solutions that include a secure password manager for ultimate privacy and security.

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