> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.techloy.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # HOW TO: Encrypt and Un-Encrypt a Folder on a MacBook - URL: https://www.techloy.com/how-to-encrypt-and-un-encrypt-a-folder-on-a-macbook/ - Published: 2025-05-01T13:02:11.000Z - Updated: 2025-05-01T13:02:11.000Z - Description: Encrypt Mac folders instantly to shield sensitive files from prying eyes. - Author: Ogbonda Chivumnovu - Tags: / Tech Guide, MacBook, MacOS When it comes to using my [Mac](https://www.techloy.com/tag/macbook/), privacy isn’t just a preference, it’s a priority. Whether I’m storing personal documents, work files, or anything remotely sensitive, I want to know that those files are truly protected. That’s where encryption comes in. Encryption is the process of converting data into a coded format that can only be accessed with the correct password or key. In simple terms, it scrambles your information so that even if someone gains access to your device, they won’t be able to read the contents of your folders without proper authorization. Fortunately, [macOS](https://www.techloy.com/tag/macos/) offers built-in tools that let you encrypt folders easily, no extra software required. ## How to Encrypt a Folder on Mac ### Step 1: Put the Files you want to encrypt in One Folder ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.33.23-PM.png) ### Step 2: Click on *Launchpad* from your docks ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.35.40-PM-1-1.png) ### Step 3: Then go to *Other* \> *Disk Utility* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.37.46-PM-1-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.39.29-PM-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.39.47-PM.png) ### Step 4: At the top menu, click *File* \> *New Image* \> *Image from Folder* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.44.24-PM-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.47.42-PM-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.47.50-PM-1.png) ### Step 5: Find and select the folder you added your files to earlier. Click *Choose* ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.55.44-PM-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-1.55.59-PM-1.png) ### Step 6: When a box pops up, choose 128-bit AES encryption (good enough for most people because it works faster on your Mac than the higher 256-bit option) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-2.01.30-PM-1.png) ### Step 7: Type a **strong password** that you’ll remember ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-2.05.14-PM.png) ### Step 8: Click *Save* and wait a few seconds for it to finish, and check the location you saved the file to see the encrypted .dmg version. Additionally, you can delete the original file for others not to access the version without a password ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-2.06.06-PM-1.png) ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-2.06.15-PM.png) ## How to Un-Encrypt Files on a MacBook ### Step 1: Open the encrypted disk image and enter the password ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-5.19.42-PM-1.png) ### Step 2: Select the files use command+c to copy them ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-5.21.01-PM-1.png) ### Step 3: Paste the files in a new folder that isn't encrypted. You can also delete the files in the encrypted folder if you no longer need it secured ![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/2025/04/Screen-Shot-2025-04-30-at-5.21.14-PM-1-1.png) ## Conclusion Encrypting a folder on your Mac is a smart and effective way to keep your personal or sensitive files safe, without relying on third-party apps. It adds an essential layer of security, ensuring that even if someone gains access to your device, your protected data stays locked and private. With just a few quick steps, you can take full control of your digital privacy. [How to Encrypt Personal Files Using Microsoft OfficeIf you’re seeking a straightforward method to maintain the privacy of files and folders on your Windows computer, you have various options readily available. Thankfully, the Microsoft Office Suite offers a built-in encryption feature that enables you to password-protect Office files like Word documents or PowerPoint presentations. This feature ensures![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/icon/techloy-avatar-1-1634.png)TechloyGabriel Ojeh![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/c1/a6/c1a6d111-d951-41ad-a392-c1e841210b93/content/images/thumbnail/photo-1633114130148-3f40987134d2)](https://www.techloy.com/how-to-encrypt-personal-files-using-microsoft-word-2/)