How to Password Protect Files on a Mac

Step-by-Step Guide

1. 1

   Step 1: Create a New Folder on the Desktop.

   Right Click on the Desktop, then click on "New Folder".
   
   This is where you will place your secret files later.
2. 2

   Step 2: Open the location of the secret files on Finder.

   ,, Note the size of its contents (in MB); this will be very important in Step number
   6. , A new window will open.
   
   The quickest way to do this is by using Spotlight.
   
   Alternatively, you can also go to Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility ,, Then, add 5 MB to that value.
   
   Click on OK. 5 MB is added to make room for cache purposes.
   
   You cannot create a Disk Image less than
   10.5 MB. , Leave "Partitions" and "Image Format" in their default settings. "Partitions" should be "Single partition
   - Apple Partition Map" "Image Format" should be "read/write disk image"
   
   After the progress bar completes, a new window will appear where you can enter your password. , A Password Strength indicator will tell you if your password is strong or not.
   
   For better results, use capital letters, numbers, and special characters. , Then, click on OK.
   
   This is important! If you keep this checked, then anyone can simply open your secret files because the password is saved in the computer memory.
   
   The purpose for this Disk Image password is that you have to enter a password every time you want to access your secret files. , Drag and drop your secret files into the Disk Image you have just created. , Finished!Image:
   Password Protect Files on a Mac Step
   13.jpg
3. 3

   Step 3: Drag and drop the secret files to the newly created folder on your Desktop.

4. 4

   Step 4: Right click the folder and select "Get Info".

5. 5

   Step 5: Open "Disk Utility".

6. 6

   Step 6: Click "New Image"

7. 7

   Step 7: then name the Disk Image to be created.

8. 8

   Step 8: Click on the "Size" category

9. 9

   Step 9: then click "Custom..." Enter the file size in MB which you acquired from Step number 4.

10. 10

    Step 10: In the "Encryption" category

11. 11

    Step 11: select "128-bit AES encryption".

12. 12

    Step 12: Click on "Create" to create the Disk Image.

13. 13

    Step 13: Enter your "Password" and re-type it in the "Verify" box.

14. 14

    Step 14: Uncheck the "Remember password in my keychain" option.

15. 15

    Step 15: Transferring your secret files to the Disk Image.

16. 16

    Step 16: Don't forget to eject the Disk Image after you are done viewing your secret files!

Detailed Guide

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