# Encrypt Files — Encrypt files and folders with a password on Mac

Lock files and folders in a password-protected disk image (AES-256) that opens on any Mac. Part of OneMacTools, 151 private tools in one native Mac app (macOS 26 or later); category: Files. Runs on your Mac; nothing is uploaded.

Put files and folders into an AES-256 encrypted disk image. Double-click it on any Mac and enter the password to open it. No extra software needed.

Page: https://www.onemactools.com/tools/encrypt-files · Download: https://www.onemactools.com/download · Pricing: https://www.onemactools.com/pricing

## How to use it
1. **Drop files and folders.** Drag in everything you want to lock away: documents, photos, whole folders.
2. **Name it.** Type a name, such as “Tax 2026”. It's used for the disk image and for the drive that appears when you open it. Empty uses “Private”.
3. **Set a password.** Type a password of at least 4 characters, then type it again in Confirm. Use a long one you'll remember or keep in a password manager.
4. **Click Encrypt.** Everything is copied into an AES-256 encrypted disk image (.dmg).
5. **Open it later.** The .dmg is saved in a new dated folder in Downloads › OneMacTools. Double-click it on any Mac and enter the password to see the files. Your originals are left where they were.

## Options
- **Name:** The name of the .dmg file and of the drive that appears when you open it. Empty uses “Private”.
- **Password:** Required, at least 4 characters. The disk image is encrypted with AES-256 using this password. It isn't stored anywhere, so it can't be recovered or reset if you forget it.
- **Confirm:** Type the password again. Encrypt only runs when both match, to stop a typo locking you out.

## Tips
- Use a long passphrase of several words. With AES-256 the password is the only weak point.
- Save the password in a password manager or Passwords. If it's lost, nobody, including us, can open the files.
- Open the disk image once before deleting anything, to check the password works and everything is inside.
- Your original files aren't touched. If the point is to hide them, move the originals to the Trash yourself once you've checked the disk image.
- When macOS asks to remember the password in your keychain as you open it, say no on a shared Mac.
- The disk image is read-only. To add files later, make a new one.

## Questions
**How do I password-protect a folder on a Mac?**
Drop the folder onto Encrypt Files, type a name and a password twice and click Encrypt. You get an encrypted disk image that only opens with that password.

**How do I open the encrypted file?**
Double-click the .dmg on any Mac and enter the password. It appears as a drive in Finder with your files inside. Eject it when you're done.

**What if I forget the password?**
The files can't be recovered. The password isn't stored anywhere and AES-256 can't be bypassed, so keep it in a password manager.

**How secure is it?**
It uses AES-256, the encryption built into macOS disk images. With a long, unique password it's practically impossible to break.

**Can I add more files to it later?**
No. The disk image is compressed and read-only. Copy the files out, add the new ones and make a fresh one with Encrypt Files.

**Can I open it on Windows?**
No. Encrypted disk images are a Mac format. To send files to someone on Windows, use Password Protect PDF for documents, or another tool they can open.

**Can I store it in iCloud Drive or on a USB stick?**
Yes. It's a single file, and it stays encrypted wherever you copy it.