Mac OS · macOS
Password-protect files in an encrypted disk image on Mac
Source-checked About 10 minutes
Answer
Use Disk Utility to create an encrypted blank disk image, choose a strong password, mount it, copy the files inside, then eject it.
Check prerequisites and the intended result
Before changing an encrypted Mac folder archive, confirm authorization, available space, desired capacity, encryption choice, and a secure place for the unrecoverable password. Write down the current value before changing it so you can restore only that setting if the intended result does not appear. Keep the relevant account, app, or system version available if official support is needed. Confirm the saved choice after closing and reopening the relevant settings panel.
Use the supported method
Use Disk Utility's encrypted disk-image workflow and keep the original files until the mounted image and copied contents are verified.
Open Disk Utility
In Finder, open Applications > Utilities > Disk Utility.
Create a blank image
Choose File > New Image > Blank Image, name it, select a size and choose APFS or Mac OS Extended as appropriate.
Enable encryption
Choose 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption and enter a strong password. Do not save it in Keychain if you want a prompt every time.
Save and copy files
Choose read/write image format, save the image, open it, then copy the files into the mounted volume.
Eject and test
Eject the volume in Finder, reopen the disk-image file, and confirm the password works before removing any originals.
Check that the change worked
The image requires the password after eject and remount, opens every expected file, and leaves no unencrypted duplicate in an unintended location.
Troubleshoot an encrypted Mac folder archive
If the password is lost, the image has no room, copying fails, or cloud synchronization exposes an unlocked mounted volume, stop broad resets and return to the last known state. Capture the exact error, versions, device or account scope, and failed step before using the linked official support channel.
Video walkthrough
Sources and verification
Checked against official documentation on . Scope: macOS.
Follow the linked first-party guidance if labels differ after a platform or app update.