How to Create a Hidden Folder on a MacBook

Windows has the ability to hide folders from the "Properties" window. If you have switched to a MacBook, you may have noticed that Mac OS X does not have this ability. However, you can hide a folder by using the Terminal to create a folder with a period at the beginning of its name. Your MacBook will identify the folder as a protected system folder, and hide it automatically. No one can access a folder hidden in this fashion through the Finder. However, you can open it by typing its name.

Instructions

1. Click the "Go" menu at the top of the desktop, and then click "Utilities."

2. Double-click the "Terminal" icon. This opens a window displaying your MacBook's command prompt.

3. Type "mkdir .folder" and press "Return." Substitute "folder" for the name that you want to give the folder, and put a period in front of the name. Because you will not be able to see the folder in the Finder, do not forget the folder name. The terminal window displays no confirmation that the action is complete. Close the terminal window.

4. Click the "Go" menu at the top of the desktop, and then click "Go to Folder."

5. Type "/users/username/.folder/" in the pop-up window, and press "Return." Substitute "username" for the user name that you use when logging in to the computer, and ".folder" for the name of the folder that you created in Step 3. The hidden folder opens in the Finder. Move files to and from the hidden folder as you would any other folder, and close it when you are finished.

References

• OSXDaily: Create a Hidden Folder in Mac OS X