Hidden Folder vs a Disk Utility Encrypted Image
A Disk Utility encrypted disk image is a built-in way to keep files behind a password. Apple says disk images can use 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption. You eject the image when you finish, and a forgotten password locks you out of the files. Hidden Folder is planned to add auto-lock, hidden vaults and a recovery phrase, and it is not released.
The built-in option for password-protected files.
Verdict. Disk Utility is built in and needs no extra software. A vault app is planned to add hidden vaults and a recovery phrase.
Pick Disk Utility encrypted disk image if
- You want a built-in tool with no extra software.
- You protect a few folders and do not mind mounting them.
Pick Hidden Folder if
- You want auto-lock, a viewer, hidden vaults and a recovery phrase.
- You handle many photos and want a gallery that stays encrypted.
| Feature | Hidden Folder | Disk Utility encrypted disk image |
|---|---|---|
| Native Mac app | ✓native macOS app, planned. Needs macOS 14 Sonoma or later | ✓part of macOS. Apple says Disk Utility is in /Applications/Utilities |
| Encrypts file contents | ✓AES-256-GCM, planned. Not yet audited | ✓128-bit or 256-bit AES, per Apple |
| Encrypts file names | ✓planned. Files get random names on disk, and metadata is encrypted | –not stated by Apple. The image file's own name shows in the Finder |
| Works without an account | ✓planned. No account | –not stated by Apple. Its steps ask only for a password |
| Source code is open | ◐planned as open source (GPL-3.0). The source is not public yet | –not stated on the Apple pages we read |
| Pattern unlock | ✓planned. 5×5 pattern | ✕Apple describes a password that you set when you create the image |
| Several hidden vaults, no list | ✓planned. Each pattern opens its own vault, with no vault list | –not described on Apple's Disk Utility page |
| Duress mode | ◐planned for v1.1, paid plan | –not described on Apple's Disk Utility page |
| Encrypted cloud backup | ◐encrypted iCloud backup, planned for v1.0 | ◐Apple says you can store an encrypted image on a remote server or send it as an attachment. It describes no backup feature |
| Analytics off by default | ✓planned. Off by default, opt-in | –not applicable |
| Free to use | ◐a free tier and a paid plan are planned. Prices not final | ✓part of macOS. The Apple pages we read list no separate price |
Hidden Folder describes planned behaviour from its public spec. The app is not released. Facts about Disk Utility encrypted disk image were checked on Oct 30, 2026 against its own page. Not affiliated with Disk Utility encrypted disk image. Marks: yes, no, partly, not stated.
What Disk Utility offers
- It is part of macOS. Apple says it is in /Applications/Utilities.
- Apple says disk images can be encrypted with 128-bit or 256-bit AES.
- Apple says a sparse bundle image is a read/write image that grows with the data stored in it.
What it leaves to you
- Apple says to eject the disk image when you finish with the documents. While it is mounted, you can copy, move and open the files in it.
- The image is a file that you name and save in the Finder.
- Apple warns that if you forget the password, you will not be able to open the disk image and view any of the files.
- Apple's pages do not describe a recovery phrase or hidden vaults for disk images.
Steps: password protect a folder on Mac and make a private photo vault.
Frequently asked questions
Is a Disk Utility encrypted image safe?
Apple says disk images can use 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption, and that a mounted image lets you copy, move and open its files. We have not tested or audited it.
Does a vault app use stronger encryption?
This app is planned to use AES-256-GCM and is not audited. Apple says disk images use 128-bit or 256-bit AES. We make no claim that one is stronger.
Can I recover a forgotten disk image password?
Apple warns that you will not be able to open the disk image without the password. Keep the password somewhere safe.
References
See what Hidden Folder is building
Coming soon. Join the waitlist and we email the link.
Get early access