How to Encrypt and Password Protect Files on Your Mac

By
Issabela Garcia
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Keeping your files safe on your Mac is easier than you think. Whether it’s personal documents, work files, or sensitive data, encryption adds an extra layer of protection. Let’s walk through the simple steps to encrypt and password-protect your files!

Why Encrypt Your Files?

Encryption ensures that only you (or those with the password) can access the file. It’s useful for:

  • Keeping personal information private
  • Securing business documents
  • Protecting financial records
  • Preventing unauthorized access

Now, let’s explore how to do it.

Using Disk Utility to Encrypt Files

The easiest way to encrypt and password-protect a file or folder on your Mac is to use Disk Utility. Here’s how:

  1. Open Disk Utility (find it in Applications > Utilities).
  2. Click File > New Image > Image from Folder.
  3. Select the folder you want to protect and click Choose.
  4. In the pop-up window, choose a name and location for the new disk image.
  5. Under Encryption, choose 128-bit AES encryption (or 256-bit for more security).
  6. Enter and confirm a strong password. Do not lose this password!
  7. For Image Format, select Read/write if you want to edit files inside later.
  8. Click Save and wait for the encryption to complete.

Now, you have a password-protected .dmg disk image. To open it, double-click and enter your password.

Encrypt a File Using Terminal

If you like using Terminal, there’s another method! Follow these steps:

  1. Open Terminal (found in Applications > Utilities).
  2. Type the following command:
openssl aes-256-cbc -salt -in yourfile.txt -out yourfile.enc
  1. Replace yourfile.txt with your actual file’s name.
  2. Press Enter and type a password when prompted.

To decrypt the file later, use:

openssl aes-256-cbc -d -in yourfile.enc -out yourfile.txt

Easy, right?

Password-Protect PDFs with Preview

MacOS lets you add passwords to PDFs quickly using Preview. Here’s how:

  1. Open your PDF file in Preview.
  2. Click File > Export.
  3. Check the box for Encrypt.
  4. Enter and confirm a strong password.
  5. Click Save.

That’s it! The next time someone tries to open the file, they’ll need the password.

Using Third-Party Apps

If you want additional features, there are great apps available:

  • VeraCrypt – Free, open-source encryption tool.
  • Encrypto – Simple drag-and-drop encryption for files.
  • FileVault – Built-in Mac feature for encrypting your entire disk.

These tools offer more flexibility and advanced security options.

Final Thoughts

Encryption is essential for protecting your sensitive data. Whether you use Disk Utility, Terminal, or third-party apps, there’s a method that suits everyone.

So, take control of your files and keep them safe. A few extra steps today can save you from a world of trouble later!