You can enter multiple filenames or folder names after the ' zip -er' command, but an errant keystroke or mistyped filename will render the process useless.Īn app that can handle compression and encryption is a better bet for most users – especially when it can handle drag-and-drop or has a window that shows your entire filesystem.

Terminal is a great option for zipping and encrypting one file or folder, but it's not great for multiple compressions. Double-clicking the file or folder to open it will prompt you for the password you typed into Terminal, so be sure to keep your passwords in a safe location. That's all it takes! You'll now see a compressed file on your desktop. Note: in the image below, our folder is named 'Setapp' so the command reads: zip -er setapp.zip

Type this command into Terminal: zip -er filename.zip.

Note: if your file or folder were saved to the desktop, you'd type in: cd desktop

Type in ' cd' (no parentheses) and the location of the file or folder you want to compress and protect.

It takes some unique commands, but it's the most straightforward method to password protect ZIP file and folders on Mac. There's a simple way to zip and password protect folders and files via Terminal. How to password protect a ZIP file with Terminal We'll show you how to password protect a ZIP file, open encrypted ZIP files and folders, and discuss some proven methods for safeguarding your data.

Password protect zip folder mac