Encrypt Mac files - Here's how

On your Mac, you can encrypt files without additional software and thus protect against unauthorized access. In this practical tip, we'll show you how.

How to encrypt files on Mac

The following procedure works for all Mac OS versions on your Apple Mac.

1. Create a new folder and move the files to be encrypted to this folder.
2. Start the hard disk utility and navigate to File> New Image> Folder Image.
3. In the next step, select the folder with the files to be encrypted and click "Open".
4. Give the image a name of your choice and specify the storage location. Select "256-bit AES encryption" from the pull-down menu next to "Encryption".
5. Now set a password. Make a note of this password so that you can later access the encrypted files.
6. By clicking on "Save" the image will be created in the previously defined location. To open it, double click on it and enter your password.
7. Tip: After creating the image, delete the original folder with the files to be encrypted. Here they are still unencrypted.