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)
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Picture 1 of How to Make an Invisible File Right-click your desktop. You'll need to create a regular file here first. -
Picture 2 of How to Make an Invisible File Hover over "New". -
Picture 3 of How to Make an Invisible File Click a file type. "Folder" or "Text Document" are quick and simple choices. -
Picture 4 of How to Make an Invisible File Type in a name for your folder. -
Picture 5 of How to Make an Invisible File Hit ↵ Enter. -
Picture 6 of How to Make an Invisible File Right-click your file.EXPERT TIPPicture 7 of How to Make an Invisible File Mobile Kangaroo
Apple Authorized Service ProviderPicture 8 of How to Make an Invisible File Mobile Kangaroo
Apple Authorized Service ProviderIn Windows, start by right-clicking on your file. Select 'Properties' and then check the 'Hidden' attribute and press 'OK.'
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Picture 9 of How to Make an Invisible File Click Properties. -
Picture 10 of How to Make an Invisible File Check the "Hidden" box. -
Picture 11 of How to Make an Invisible File 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.- Your file is also literally invisible unless your computer is currently displaying hidden files and folders.
Method 2 of 4:
Finding Your File (Windows)
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Picture 12 of How to Make an Invisible File Type "hidden files" into the Start search bar. -
Picture 13 of How to Make an Invisible File Click "Show hidden files and folders". This should be the first item in the search list. -
Picture 14 of How to Make an Invisible File Double-click "Hidden files and folders". If this option already shows two sub-options indented below it, skip this step. -
Picture 15 of How to Make an Invisible File Click "Show hidden files, folders, and drives". -
Picture 16 of How to Make an Invisible File Click OK. -
Picture 17 of How to Make an Invisible File Close the "Hidden files" menu. -
Picture 18 of How to Make an Invisible File Return to your desktop. You should now see your previously-hidden file! It will appear transparent to indicate its "hidden" attribute.- 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)
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Picture 19 of How to Make an Invisible File Two-finger click your desktop. You'll need to use the "Terminal" app to hide your folder.EXPERT TIPPicture 20 of How to Make an Invisible File Mobile Kangaroo
Apple Authorized Service ProviderPicture 21 of How to Make an Invisible File Mobile Kangaroo
Apple Authorized Service ProviderIn 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.
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Picture 22 of How to Make an Invisible File Click New Folder. -
Picture 23 of How to Make an Invisible File Type in a name for your folder. -
Picture 24 of How to Make an Invisible File Tap ⏎ Return. -
Picture 25 of How to Make an Invisible File Click the magnifying glass icon. This is in the top right corner of your screen.- You can also hold ⌘ Command and tap Spacebar.
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Picture 26 of How to Make an Invisible File Type in "Terminal". -
Picture 27 of How to Make an Invisible File Tap ⏎ Return. -
Picture 28 of How to Make an Invisible File Typechflags hidden
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Picture 29 of How to Make an Invisible File Drag your folder into Terminal. -
Picture 30 of How to Make an Invisible File Tap ↵ Enter. Your folder should now be hidden from view![1]- Hidden folders on a Mac are invisible unless you type a specific command into Terminal.
Method 4 of 4:
Finding Your File (Mac)
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Picture 31 of How to Make an Invisible File Click Go. This is in your screen's top right corner tool bar. -
Picture 32 of How to Make an Invisible File Click Go to Folder. -
Picture 33 of How to Make an Invisible File Type in~/Desktop/(FolderName)
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Picture 34 of How to Make an Invisible File Click Go. You should now be viewing your folder's contents!- Any files you place in your folder will also be hidden.
Update 05 March 2020
You should read it
- How to Make an Invisible Folder
- How to hide files and folders on Windows / Linux / Mac OS X operating systems
- How to Hide a File or Folder from Search Results in Microsoft Windows
- How to Zip Folder on Windows
- What is a folder The concept of a file (File) and a folder (Folder) in a computer
- How to hide, display files and folders on macOS
- How to Find the Library Folder on a Mac
- How to Lock a Folder on Windows
- How to Zip a File in Windows
- How to Set Password for Folder and File in Windows
- How to Find Hidden Files and Folders in Windows
- What is the ProgramData folder on Windows?
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