How to Make an Invisible File

Co-authored by Mobile Kangaroo and Jack Lloyd

Last Updated: April 2, 2020 Tested

While there's no way to make a folder truly "invisible" to a determined user, you can hide your sensitive files and folders from regular computer searches by modifying a couple of system attributes (PC) or by using the "Terminal" app (Mac). After doing so, your new file will be invisible, both literally and to normal computer searches.

Method 1

Method 1 of 4:

Hiding Your File (Windows)

1
Right-click your desktop. You'll need to create a regular file here first.
2
Hover over "New".

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3
Click a file type. "Folder" or "Text Document" are quick and simple choices.
4
Type in a name for your folder.
5
Hit ↵ Enter.
6
Right-click your file.

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In Windows, start by right-clicking on your file. Select 'Properties' and then check the 'Hidden' attribute and press 'OK.'
7
Click Properties.
8
Check the "Hidden" box.
9
Click OK. Your file is now hidden, meaning it won't show up in search queries or your File Explorer app; however, if you create a regular folder in the same directory with the same name, it will rename itself to be "Filename (2)", which betrays the fact that you have a hidden folder in that directory.
- Your file is also literally invisible unless your computer is currently displaying hidden files and folders.

Method 2

Method 2 of 4:

Finding Your File (Windows)

1
Type "hidden files" into the Start search bar.
2
Click "Show hidden files and folders". This should be the first item in the search list.
3
Double-click "Hidden files and folders". If this option already shows two sub-options indented below it, skip this step.
4
Click "Show hidden files, folders, and drives".
5
Click OK.
6
Close the "Hidden files" menu.
7
Return to your desktop. You should now see your previously-hidden file! It will appear transparent to indicate its "hidden" attribute.
- To hide your files again, return to the "Hidden files and folders" menu and click "Don't show hidden files, folders, or drives".

Method 3

Method 3 of 4:

Hiding Your File (Mac)

1
Two-finger click your desktop. You'll need to use the "Terminal" app to hide your folder.

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Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists
Mobile Kangaroo is a full service repair shop and Apple Authorized Service Provider headquartered in Mountain View, CA. Mobile Kangaroo has been repairing electronic devices such as computers, phones, and tablets, for over 19 years, with locations in over 20 cities.

Mobile Kangaroo
Computer & Phone Repair Specialists

In MacOS, you need to use the 'Terminal' app. Type "chflags hidden' and drag the file or folder to the Terminal window to specify its location. When you press 'Return' the file is safely out of sight.
2
Click New Folder.
3
Type in a name for your folder.
4
Tap ⏎ Return.
5
Click the magnifying glass icon. This is in the top right corner of your screen.
- You can also hold ⌘ Command and tap Spacebar.
6
Type in "Terminal".
7
Tap ⏎ Return.
8
Type chflags hidden.
9
Drag your folder into Terminal.
10
Tap ↵ Enter. Your folder should now be hidden from view!^{[1]
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- Hidden folders on a Mac are invisible unless you type a specific command into Terminal.

Method 4

Method 4 of 4:

Finding Your File (Mac)

1
Click Go. This is in your screen's top right corner tool bar.
2
Click Go to Folder.
3
Type in ~/Desktop/(FolderName).
4
Click Go. You should now be viewing your folder's contents!
- Any files you place in your folder will also be hidden.

Community Q&A

Question

How do I make the file visible again?

Community Answer

Go to Properties>Customize and click "Change Icon."
Question

How do I see an invisible file?

Community Answer

For Windows 10, type in the file's name in Cortana. Or, move your cursor over the place where you have created the folder. You can also press Ctrl+A, and the "invisible" file will get selected. another way is to go to Properties>Customize, and click "Change Icon".
Question

How can I see a created hidden folder?

Community Answer

Move your cursor over the place where you have created the folder. Or, better yet, press Ctrl+A. The "invisible" file will get selected as well.