Home Application Software conversion

How to Make an Invisible File

While there's no way to make a folder truly 'invisible' to a determined user, you can hide your sensitive files and folders from regular computer searches by modifying a couple of system attributes (PC) or by using the 'Terminal' app...

Method 1 of 4:

Hiding Your File (Windows)

  1. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 1
    Right-click your desktop. You'll need to create a regular file here first.
  2. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 2
    Hover over "New".
  3. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 3
    Click a file type. "Folder" or "Text Document" are quick and simple choices.
  4. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 4
    Type in a name for your folder.
  5. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 5
    Hit ↵ Enter.
  6. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 6
    Right-click your file.
    EXPERT TIP
    How to Make an Invisible File Picture 7

    Mobile Kangaroo

    Apple Authorized Service Provider
    Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 16 years, with locations in over 20 cities.
    How to Make an Invisible File Picture 8
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Apple Authorized Service Provider

    In Windows, start by right-clicking on your file. Select 'Properties' and then check the 'Hidden' attribute and press 'OK.'

  7. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 9
    Click Properties.
  8. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 10
    Check the "Hidden" box.
  9. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 11
    Click OK. Your file is now hidden, meaning it won't show up in search queries or your File Explorer app; however, if you create a regular folder in the same directory with the same name, it will rename itself to be "Filename (2)", which betrays the fact that you have a hidden folder in that directory.
    1. Your file is also literally invisible unless your computer is currently displaying hidden files and folders.
Method 2 of 4:

Finding Your File (Windows)

  1. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 12
    Type "hidden files" into the Start search bar.
  2. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 13
    Click "Show hidden files and folders". This should be the first item in the search list.
  3. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 14
    Double-click "Hidden files and folders". If this option already shows two sub-options indented below it, skip this step.
  4. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 15
    Click "Show hidden files, folders, and drives".
  5. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 16
    Click OK.
  6. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 17
    Close the "Hidden files" menu.
  7. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 18
    Return to your desktop. You should now see your previously-hidden file! It will appear transparent to indicate its "hidden" attribute.
    1. To hide your files again, return to the "Hidden files and folders" menu and click "Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives".
Method 3 of 4:

Hiding Your File (Mac)

  1. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 19
    Two-finger click your desktop. You'll need to use the "Terminal" app to hide your folder.
    EXPERT TIP
    How to Make an Invisible File Picture 20

    Mobile Kangaroo

    Apple Authorized Service Provider
    Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 16 years, with locations in over 20 cities.
    How to Make an Invisible File Picture 21
    Mobile Kangaroo
    Apple Authorized Service Provider

    In MacOS, you need to use the 'Terminal' app. Type "chflags hidden' and drag the file or folder to the Terminal window to specify its location. When you press 'Return' the file is safely out of sight.

  2. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 22
    Click New Folder.
  3. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 23
    Type in a name for your folder.
  4. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 24
    Tap ⏎ Return.
  5. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 25
    Click the magnifying glass icon. This is in the top right corner of your screen.
    1. You can also hold ⌘ Command and tap Spacebar.
  6. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 26
    Type in "Terminal".
  7. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 27
    Tap ⏎ Return.
  8. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 28
    Type chflags hidden.
  9. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 29
    Drag your folder into Terminal.
  10. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 30
    Tap ↵ Enter. Your folder should now be hidden from view![1]
    1. Hidden folders on a Mac are invisible unless you type a specific command into Terminal.
Method 4 of 4:

Finding Your File (Mac)

  1. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 31
    Click Go. This is in your screen's top right corner tool bar.
  2. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 32
    Click Go to Folder.
  3. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 33
    Type in ~/Desktop/(FolderName).
  4. How to Make an Invisible File Picture 34
    Click Go. You should now be viewing your folder's contents!
    1. Any files you place in your folder will also be hidden.
4 ★ | 1 Vote
« PREV : How to Unrar...
How to Convert FLAC... : NEXT »
Read More
Maybe you are interested