Use Hide for everyday privacy and Encrypt when the file contents need stronger protection.
GiliSoft File Lock Pro for Mac Guide
How to Hide and Protect Files and Folders on Mac
Keep private Mac files out of ordinary view, restore them when needed, encrypt sensitive content, protect access with a password, and store short confidential text in Secure Notes without relying on a cloud service.
FilesFoldersNotes
Protect locally
HiddenEncryptedPassword
Before You Protect Private Mac Files
Decide whether the item only needs to be hidden from ordinary browsing or whether its contents should also be encrypted. A short preparation check makes recovery and future access much easier.
Use a strong password you can retain. Confirm password settings before adding important items.
Back up irreplaceable files before encryption or other protection changes.
Finish copying or moving a file before protecting it, then verify the result from its normal location.
Set the File Lock Pro Password
The application password controls access to File Lock Pro and its protected-item management. It is a local application password, not a cloud account password.
Create or Change the Password
Open password settings, enter the new password carefully, confirm it, and save the change before protecting private files.
Require Password Access
When the application opens, enter the correct password before viewing or changing hidden and protected items.
Do not use a password you are likely to forget. Verify the new password while you still have a safe copy of important files.
How to Hide Files on Mac
Hide private photos, documents, videos, and other local files so they no longer appear during ordinary browsing.
- Open File Lock Pro and enter the application password.
- Choose the file-hiding task from the main workspace.
- Add the private file you want to hide.
- Review the selected path before applying the action.
- Confirm that the item no longer appears in its normal Finder location.
File-hiding workspace. Click to enlarge.How to Hide a Folder on Mac
Use folder hiding when an entire collection should stay out of ordinary view, such as private photos, personal records, or confidential project material.
- Open the folder-hiding task.
- Add the folder that contains the private material.
- Check that the selected path is the intended folder.
- Apply the hide action.
- Return to Finder and confirm that the folder is no longer visible in its original location.
Folder-hiding workspace. Click to enlarge.Restore Hidden Files and Folders
Use the restore view when a hidden item needs to return to normal Finder access.
- Open File Lock Pro and enter the correct password.
- Open the hidden-item management view.
- Select the file or folder you want to restore.
- Choose the restore or unhide action.
- Open Finder and verify that the item is available again.
Restore the item through File Lock Pro instead of trying to recreate or move its original path manually.
Restore hidden items to normal access. Click to enlarge.Encrypt Sensitive Mac Files
Hiding reduces ordinary visibility; encryption protects the file contents. Choose encryption for records, financial documents, confidential work, and other data that should remain protected even when someone knows where the source file was stored.
- Open the encryption task from the main workspace.
- Add the supported file you want to protect.
- Review the available destination and encryption settings.
- Keep a safe original backup until the encrypted result is verified.
- Open the protected output with the correct password to confirm successful access.
Main workspace for local privacy tasks. Click to enlarge.Keep Short Private Text in Secure Notes
Secure Notes provides a separate place for short confidential text that should not be left in an ordinary document or an unprotected note.
- Open Secure Notes from the main workspace.
- Create a new note with a clear, non-sensitive title.
- Enter the private text and save it.
- Close and reopen the application to confirm password-controlled access.
- Remove notes that are no longer needed.
Secure Notes is intended for private text inside File Lock Pro. It should not be described as a full password manager.
Store short private text locally. Click to enlarge.Review General, Password, and Advanced Settings
Settings control how File Lock Pro opens, how password access is handled, and how protection behaves. Review them before relying on the application for recurring privacy tasks.
General Settings
Review startup and day-to-day application behavior so the privacy tool fits the way the Mac is used.
Password Settings
Manage the application password carefully and test the updated credential before protecting additional items.
Check Advanced Settings
Advanced options are best reviewed after the basic hide, restore, and password process is working correctly.
- Open Advanced Settings.
- Read each option before changing its state.
- Change only settings needed by the current Mac privacy task.
- Test access to one non-critical item after the change.
- Keep a note of any custom behavior you enable.
Advanced privacy behavior and application options. Click to enlarge.Mac File Privacy Checklist
File Lock Pro for Mac FAQ
What is the difference between hiding and encrypting a file?
Hiding keeps an item out of ordinary Finder view. Encryption protects the file contents and is the stronger choice for highly sensitive material.
How do I make a hidden file visible again?
Open File Lock Pro, enter the application password, select the hidden item, and use the restore or unhide action.
Why is a hidden item still visible?
Confirm that the correct file or folder path was selected, complete the hide action, and refresh or reopen its Finder location.
Does File Lock Pro upload private files to the cloud?
The guide focuses on local Mac privacy tasks. Your own backup or synchronization settings remain separate from File Lock Pro.
What should I do before encrypting an important file?
Keep a safe original backup, verify the selected file and destination, and test that the protected result opens correctly.
Is the Mac version the same as File Lock Pro for Windows?
No. Use this guide for the Mac interface and Mac features; the Windows edition has its own interface and guide.
Protect Private Mac Files Locally
Hide files and folders, restore them when needed, encrypt sensitive content, and keep short confidential text in Secure Notes.
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