How to Make an Invisible File

Method

1

Hiding Your File (Windows)

1. 
   1
   Right-click your desktop. You'll need to create a regular file here first.
2. 
   2
   Hover over "New".
3. 
   3
   Click a file type. "Folder" or "Text Document" are quick and simple choices.
4. 
   4
   Type in a name for your folder.
5. 
   5
   Hit ↵ Enter.
6. 
   6
   Right-click your file.
7. 
   7
   Click Properties.
8. 
   8
   Check the "Hidden" box.
9. 
   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

Finding Your File (Windows)

1. 
   1
   Type "hidden files" into the Start search bar.
2. 
   2
   Click "Show hidden files and folders". This should be the first item in the search list.
3. 
   3
   Double-click "Hidden files and folders". If this option already shows two sub-options indented below it, skip this step.
4. 
   4
   Click "Show hidden files, folders, and drives".
5. 
   5
   Click OK.
6. 
   6
   Close the "Hidden files" menu.
7. 
   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

Hiding Your File (Mac)

1. 
   1
   Two-finger click your desktop. You'll need to use the "Terminal" app to hide your folder.
2. 
   2
   Click New Folder.
3. 
   3
   Type in a name for your folder.
4. 
   4
   Tap ⏎ Return.
5. 
   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. 
   6
   Type in "Terminal".
7. 
   7
   Tap ⏎ Return.
8. 
   8
   Type chflags hidden.
9. 
   9
   Drag your folder into Terminal.
10. 
    10
    Tap ↵ Enter. Your folder should now be hidden from view!^[1]

    • Hidden folders on a Mac are invisible unless you type a specific command into Terminal.

Method

4

Finding Your File (Mac)

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

   • Any files you place in your folder will also be hidden.