# Hidden Folder

> An encrypted photo and file vault for the Mac. Open source, native for macOS, no account, analytics off by default. Status: coming soon. The app is not released yet; a waitlist is open.

Hidden Folder encrypts photos, videos and files in a local vault on a Mac (AES-256-GCM, keys derived with PBKDF2-HMAC-SHA512, 600,000 rounds). Pages describe planned behaviour from the public spec and say which version each feature belongs to. The app is not independently audited. Comparison pages state only facts checked against the other product's own page.

Source code: https://github.com/sum-eet/hiddenfolder

Home: https://hiddenfolder.app/

## Features

- [Pattern lock](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/pattern-lock/): Draw a shape on a 5×5 grid. The shape becomes the key that opens your vault.
- [Hidden vaults](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/hidden-vaults/): Each pattern opens its own vault. No list anywhere shows how many exist.
- [Duress mode](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/duress-mode/): One designated pattern opens a decoy vault and quietly erases the others on this Mac.
- [Recovery phrase](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/recovery-phrase/): A written sentence that reopens your vault if you forget the pattern. No account needed.
- [Encrypted backup](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/encrypted-backup/): Your vault is encrypted on your Mac before it goes to iCloud. Apple only holds ciphertext.
- [Screen-capture protection](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/screen-capture-protection/): Vault windows ask macOS to stay out of screenshots and screen sharing.
- [Security architecture](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/security-architecture/): Key hierarchy, file format and threat model, in plain language. Open source, so you can check.
- [Finder integration](https://hiddenfolder.app/features/finder-integration/): Planned: an unlocked vault shows up in the Finder sidebar and disappears when you lock.

## Guides

- [How to Password Protect a Folder on Mac](https://hiddenfolder.app/password-protect-folder-mac/): macOS has no right-click password for folders. Here is the built-in Disk Utility method, its limits, and what to use instead.
- [How to Lock a Folder on Mac: Three Different Meanings](https://hiddenfolder.app/lock-folder-mac/): The Locked checkbox, permissions and encryption each lock a folder in a different way. Learn which one matches what you need.
- [How to Hide Files on Mac (and Why Hidden Isn't Private)](https://hiddenfolder.app/hide-files-on-mac/): Hide files on a Mac with chflags or a dot in the name, and learn how to show them again. Also why hiding is not the same as locking.
- [Hidden Folder on Mac: Show, Create and Open One](https://hiddenfolder.app/hidden-folder-mac/): Show hidden folders with Command-Shift-Period, create a hidden folder in Terminal, open one by path, and fix it when it does not appear.
- [Photo Vault App for Mac: Options and What to Check](https://hiddenfolder.app/photo-vault/): Most photo vault apps are for iPhone. See what exists on a Mac, how each option compares, and the checklist for judging any vault.
- [Hide Photos on Mac: Photos Hidden Album vs a Vault App](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/hide-photos-app/): Hide photos on a Mac with the Photos app in a few clicks, see what that protects, and when to move to an encrypted vault app.
- [How to Make a Private Photo Vault on a Mac](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/private-photo-vault/): Build an encrypted photo vault with Disk Utility, then close the leaks people miss: Photos copies, Time Machine and cached previews.
- [How to Encrypt a Folder on Mac: 4 Methods Compared](https://hiddenfolder.app/encrypt-folder-mac/): Encrypt a folder on a Mac with Disk Utility, Cryptomator, VeraCrypt or a vault app. See what FileVault does and does not cover.
- [FileVault vs a Folder Vault: Do You Need Both?](https://hiddenfolder.app/filevault-vs-folder-vault/): FileVault encrypts your whole Mac disk. A folder vault locks chosen files after login. Learn what each protects and when to use both.
- [What Is a Vault App? How Photo and File Vaults Work](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/what-is-a-vault-app/): A vault app keeps photos, videos and files behind a lock of its own. Learn how they work, what to check, and the built-in options to try first.
- [How to Hide Photos on iPhone, Android and Mac](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/how-to-hide-photos/): Hide photos with the Hidden album on iPhone or Mac, or Locked Folder on Android. See what each protects and when you need an encrypted vault.
- [Video Vault App: How It Differs From a Photo Vault](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/video-vault-app/): A video vault must play large files while keeping them protected. See where video leaks, the built-in ways to hide videos, and how to test an app.
- [Calculator Vault Apps: How They Work and What They Hide](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/calculator-vault-apps/): A calculator vault is a vault app disguised as a calculator. Learn how the disguise works, what it does not protect, and the plain alternatives.
- [Hide Photos With a Calculator App: Steps and Risks](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/hide-photos-with-a-calculator-app/): How to hide photos with a calculator app: check the app first, set a code, import, delete originals. Also what the disguise leaves open.
- [Vault App Download Safety: How to Check a Mac Download](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/vault-app-download-safety/): Before you install a vault app on a Mac, check the source, Gatekeeper and notarization, and the SHA-256 checksum. Steps and red flags.
- [How to Test a Vault App Yourself on a Mac](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/test-a-vault-app-yourself/): Run a hands-on test on your Mac: import a marker file, then look for readable copies in the app folder, temp folders, Spotlight and Time Machine.
- [Forgot Your Vault Password? What Recovery Is Possible](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/forgot-vault-password-recovery/): Forgot the password to a private photo vault? Recovery depends on how it was built. See what Apple and Google say, and what to try first.
- [App Lock vs Vault: Locking an App Does Not Encrypt Its Data](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/app-lock-vs-vault/): An app lock decides who opens an app. A vault protects the files. Learn the difference, what Apple and Google offer, and which one you need.
- [Free Photo Vault App: What Free Costs and How to Cancel](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/free-photo-vault-app/): Free photo vault apps can mean a trial, limits or ads. Try the built-in options first, then learn to review and cancel a subscription on a Mac.
- [What Is FileVault on a Mac? What It Protects and What It Leaves Open](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/what-is-filevault-mac/): FileVault is the disk encryption built into macOS. See how it works, how it differs from automatic encryption on newer Macs, and what it cannot cover.
- [How to Turn FileVault On or Off on a Mac, and Check Its Status](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/turn-on-or-off-filevault-mac/): Turn FileVault on or off in System Settings, pick a recovery method and check status in Terminal. Read the prep list first so you do not lock yourself out.
- [FileVault Recovery Key: Find It, Use It, and What a Work Mac Changes](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/filevault-recovery-key/): Forgot your Mac password with FileVault on? See where the recovery key may be, how to reset with it, and what changes when your employer manages the Mac.
- [Mac Disk Encryption: FileVault, Apple Silicon and What Else to Encrypt](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/mac-disk-encryption/): How disk encryption works on a Mac: automatic encryption on Apple silicon and T2, what FileVault adds, and how to cover external drives and backups.
- [How to Encrypt an External Drive on Mac (USB Drive, SSD or Card)](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/encrypt-external-drive-mac/): Encrypt a USB drive, external SSD or memory card on a Mac with Finder or Disk Utility. See which method erases the drive and what breaks on older Macs.
- [How to Encrypt a Time Machine Backup on Mac](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/encrypt-time-machine-backup/): Turn on encryption for Time Machine backups, switch an existing disk to encrypted, and learn what the backup password does and does not cover.
- [Encrypted Disk Image on Mac: Formats, Passwords and Everyday Use](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/encrypted-disk-image-mac/): Which disk image format to choose, how to convert, resize and open an encrypted image on a Mac, and what a forgotten password means. Goes beyond the basics.
- [Password Protect a Folder on Mac Without Disk Utility](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/password-protect-folder-without-disk-utility/): No Disk Utility? Use Terminal, Cryptomator, a locked note or a document password. See what each route covers and where it stops.
- [How to Password Protect a PDF on Mac with Preview](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/password-protect-pdf-mac/): Set an open password and an owner password on a PDF in Preview with File > Export, then test it. Also learn what a PDF password does not hide.
- [Encrypt Files Before Cloud Sync on Mac: iCloud Drive, Dropbox and Others](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/encrypt-files-before-cloud-sync/): Encrypt files on your Mac before iCloud Drive, Dropbox or another service syncs them. Steps with Cryptomator and what the provider can still see.
- [How to Hide Videos on Mac: Photos, Finder and Apps](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/hide-videos-on-mac/): Hide a video on a Mac with the Photos Hidden album or a Finder flag, then see when you need encryption and how to judge apps that hide videos.
- [How to Lock Your Photos With a Password on iPhone and Mac](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/lock-photos-with-a-password/): Lock hidden photos on iPhone and Mac with the Hidden album, check the lock setting, and learn what a photo lock app must do to be worth using.
- [Apple Hidden Album: Add, Find and Unhide Photos on Mac and iPhone](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/apple-hidden-album-guide/): How to add photos to the Apple Hidden album, find it on Mac and iPhone, unlock it, unhide photos and fix a Hidden album that has gone missing.
- [Where to Store Private Photos Safely: Cloud, Phone or Mac](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/store-private-photos-safely/): Compare iCloud Photos, Advanced Data Protection, Google Locked Folder, cloud vault apps and your own encrypted container for private photos.
- [Secret Photo Album: How to Make One on iPhone, Mac and Android](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/secret-photo-album/): Make a secret photo album with the Apple Hidden album or Google Locked Folder, see what each protects, and test any secret photo app before you use it.
- [App Vault on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO: What It Is and What You Can Change](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/app-vault-xiaomi-redmi/): App vault on Xiaomi, Redmi and POCO is a home screen panel, not a place to hide files. See what Xiaomi says it does and which settings you can change.
- [How to Show the Library Folder on Mac (and Open Other Hidden Folders)](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/show-library-folder-mac/): Open the hidden Library folder on a Mac with the Go menu and Option key, keep it visible with View Options, or use Go to Folder and Terminal safely.
- [iCloud Advanced Data Protection for Photos: What It Changes](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/icloud-advanced-data-protection/): Advanced Data Protection adds end-to-end encryption to iCloud Photos. See what it needs, how to turn it on or off, and what it still leaves open.
- [Apps Like Keepsafe: Alternatives by Category and How to Test Them](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/keepsafe-alternatives/): Apps like Keepsafe fall into four categories: built-in hidden albums, encrypted containers, file encryption tools and other phone vaults. Test any of them.
- [Apps to Hide Pictures and Videos: Which Kind Fits Your Situation](https://hiddenfolder.app/guides/apps-to-hide-pictures-and-videos/): Choose an app or built-in way to hide pictures and videos by situation: a quick glance, a partner who knows your passcode, cloud sync, or ID scans.

## Comparisons

- [vs Vaultaire](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/vaultaire/): Same idea, different device. Vaultaire is on iPhone today. This vault is being built for the Mac.
- [vs macOS hidden files](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/macos-hidden-files/): Hiding a file and protecting a file are two different jobs.
- [vs Disk Utility encrypted disk image](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/disk-utility/): The built-in option for password-protected files.
- [vs FileVault](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/filevault/): FileVault protects the startup disk. A vault app is planned to lock chosen files separately.
- [vs Cryptomator](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/cryptomator/): Cryptomator is a general, open source file encryptor. This is a planned photo and file vault.
- [vs VeraCrypt](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/veracrypt/): Free, open source disk encryption with hidden volumes.
- [vs Photos Hidden album](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/photos-hidden-album/): A lock on your library, or a separate encrypted store?
- [vs Locked notes in Notes](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/locked-notes/): Built for notes, with a list of things it cannot lock. Not a file vault.
- [vs Keepsafe](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/keepsafe/): Keepsafe lives on your phone. This vault is being built for your Mac.
- [vs Private Photo Vault (Pic Safe)](https://hiddenfolder.app/compare/private-photo-vault/): An iPhone and iPad app and a planned Mac vault. Same job, different devices.

## Scenarios

- [Several People Share One Mac. How Do You Keep Photos Private?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/shared-family-mac/): On a shared family Mac, separate user accounts do most of the work. See the built-in setup and what a vault adds.
- [Someone Knows Your Mac Password. Can You Still Keep Files Private?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/partner-knows-your-mac-password/): If another person knows your Mac login password, you need a second lock with its own secret. Here are the options that work.
- [Private Photos Showed Up While Screen Sharing. How Do You Stop It?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/zoom-screen-sharing/): Share a single window, silence notifications and close private apps before you present. See the built-in steps and what a vault adds.
- [Selling or Repairing Your Mac: How Do You Protect Your Files?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/selling-or-repairing-your-mac/): Before you sell, hand down or repair a Mac, back up, protect sensitive files and erase it properly. Here is a safe routine for each case.
- [Personal Files on a Work Mac With IT Access. What Is Actually Private?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/work-laptop-with-it-access/): A vault cannot hide files from an employer that manages your Mac. Here is what IT access means and the safer choice.
- [Where Should You Keep Scans of Your Passport and ID on a Mac?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/id-and-passport-scans/): ID scans are high-value files. Learn where copies hide on a Mac and how to store them in an encrypted container.
- [Crossing a Border With a Mac: What Protects Your Files?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/border-crossing-duress-mode/): Before a trip, minimise what your Mac holds, turn FileVault on and shut the Mac down. Learn where a vault and duress mode fit and what the legal risks are.
- [Photos You Don't Want in iCloud: How Do You Keep Them Off?](https://hiddenfolder.app/scenarios/photos-you-dont-want-in-icloud/): iCloud Photos uploads your library by default when it is on. See how to turn it off, how Hidden photos behave and how to store private pictures elsewhere.

## Free tools (run in the browser, nothing is uploaded)

- [Photo metadata remover](https://hiddenfolder.app/tools/remove-exif/): Show and remove GPS location, camera and date data from JPEG, PNG and WebP photos.
- [Blur or pixelate part of a photo](https://hiddenfolder.app/tools/blur-image/): Hide faces, numbers or addresses in an image. Pixelate, blur or cover with a solid box.
- [SHA-256 file checker](https://hiddenfolder.app/tools/file-hash/): Check that a download matches the checksum its publisher lists. Works on large files.

## Translations (Japanese and German guides)

- [日本語](https://hiddenfolder.app/ja/) (ja): Macのフォルダや写真に鍵をかけて、隠せます。暗号化され、オフラインで動き、オープンソースです。あなたのパターンだけで開く保管庫に移しましょう。アカウントもサインアップもメールアドレスも要りません。
- [ダウンロード](https://hiddenfolder.app/ja/download/) (ja): アプリはまだ公開されていません。メールアドレスを登録していただくと、ベータ版の公開時にリンクをお送りします。メールは1通だけです。迷惑メールは送りません。
- [料金](https://hiddenfolder.app/ja/pricing/) (ja): まずは無料で使えます。もっと多く入れたい方や、追加の機能が必要な方だけ、お支払いください。
- [Deutsch](https://hiddenfolder.app/de/) (de): Sperre und verstecke Ordner und Fotos auf deinem Mac. Verschlüsselt, offline nutzbar, quelloffen. Leg sie in einen Tresor, den nur dein Muster öffnet. Kein Konto, keine Anmeldung, keine E-Mail-Adresse.
- [Download](https://hiddenfolder.app/de/download/) (de): Die App ist noch nicht erschienen. Hinterlasse deine E-Mail-Adresse, dann schicken wir dir den Link, sobald die Beta startet. Eine E-Mail. Kein Spam.
- [Preise](https://hiddenfolder.app/de/pricing/) (de): Starte kostenlos. Zahle nur, wenn du mehr Platz oder die zusätzlichen Funktionen brauchst.
- [Macで隠しフォルダ・隠しファイルを表示する方法と作り方](https://hiddenfolder.app/ja/mac-hidden-folder/) (ja): Macの隠しファイルは、Finderで⌘⇧.を押すと表示できます。隠しフォルダの作り方、パスを指定して開く方法、隠すだけでは守れない理由まで、手順つきで解説します。
- [Macでフォルダにパスワードをかける方法](https://hiddenfolder.app/ja/mac-folder-password/) (ja): Macには、右クリックでフォルダにパスワードをかける機能がありません。ディスクユーティリティで暗号化ディスクイメージを作る手順と、その限界を解説します。
- [Ordner mit Passwort schützen auf dem Mac: So geht’s](https://hiddenfolder.app/de/ordner-mit-passwort-schuetzen-mac/) (de): macOS bietet kein Rechtsklick-Passwort für Ordner. So schützt du einen Ordner mit einem verschlüsselten Image und wo die Grenzen liegen.
- [Ordner verschlüsseln auf dem Mac: 4 Methoden im Vergleich](https://hiddenfolder.app/de/ordner-verschluesseln-mac/) (de): Ordner auf dem Mac verschlüsseln mit Festplattendienstprogramm, Cryptomator, VeraCrypt oder einer Tresor-App. Dazu: was FileVault abdeckt und was nicht.

## Site information

- [Pricing](https://hiddenfolder.app/pricing/): Planned plans and prices.
- [Download](https://hiddenfolder.app/download/): Join the waitlist for the Mac beta.
- [Open source](https://hiddenfolder.app/open-source/): Code, licence, security model and audit status.
- [What's new](https://hiddenfolder.app/whats-new/): Roadmap by version.
- [About](https://hiddenfolder.app/about/): Open source, honest about its limits.
- [Privacy](https://hiddenfolder.app/privacy/): What this site collects.
- [ダウンロード](https://hiddenfolder.app/ja/download/): アプリはまだ公開されていません。メールアドレスを登録していただくと、ベータ版の公開時にリンクをお送りします。メールは1通だけです。迷惑メールは送りません。
- [料金](https://hiddenfolder.app/ja/pricing/): まずは無料で使えます。もっと多く入れたい方や、追加の機能が必要な方だけ、お支払いください。
- [Download](https://hiddenfolder.app/de/download/): Die App ist noch nicht erschienen. Hinterlasse deine E-Mail-Adresse, dann schicken wir dir den Link, sobald die Beta startet. Eine E-Mail. Kein Spam.
- [Preise](https://hiddenfolder.app/de/pricing/): Starte kostenlos. Zahle nur, wenn du mehr Platz oder die zusätzlichen Funktionen brauchst.

Sitemap: https://hiddenfolder.app/sitemap.xml