How to hide files and folders on macOS

When you set up a new Mac, you’re instructed to keep it locked down with a password, a Touch ID, and / or an Apple Watch authorization. But you can’t guarantee that your macOS system will only be seen by you and you alone. Maybe your kids want to borrow your MacBook to play a game or you want to show a friend the photos and videos of your latest trip. How do you prevent them from accidentally opening folders or files that you want to keep private?

These scenarios are where hidden files and folders come into play. They won’t show up in Finder during regular system browsing — and with the help of a third-party program, you can lock them away behind a password, too. 

Using macOS

There are a few ways to hide files and folders using tools that come with macOS. But before you do any of these, you want to be able to see any currently hidden files. Press Shift+Cmd+. (period) in Finder. Any hidden folder and file names will show up as faded but visible.

Then, to hide any other folder or file, you can simply add a period to the start of its name:

• In Finder, select the file or folder you want hidden.
• Click on the file or folder name to edit it.
• Add a period to the start of t …

Read the full story at The Verge.