Use the built-in DISK UTILITY, and make the folder a Password protected Disk Image.
Disc Utility>>>File>>>>New>>>>Disk Image from Folder>>> Find the folder you want to "lock", you'll need to choose the "128" encryption then enter the Password you want to use.
This turns the folder into a .dmg... In order to open it, you/they will need the password.
You can also make a hidden folder, that isn't even seen.
Make a new folder somewhere easy for you to remember... To do this:
1) Open the finder window go into the "Home" Folder (we'll place it there).
2) Right click on an empty part of the finder Window.. select "New Folder".
3) Name the folder.. Let's use "Secret"... Just for fun
4) Now go into the Terminal and type (best to copy/paste) the following:
mv ~/Secret ~/.Secret
Press enter after pasting the command
Note the "." in front of the second folder name
5) The folder and any/all of the contents within it are HIDDEN.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
Now that the the folder is hidden the easiest way to get back into the contents it open the the Finder window go the the "HOME" folder (see.. No "Secret" folder)... Now press APPLE+SHIFT+G
A Window will roll out of the top of the finder window that Says: "Go To Folder:" Type the following (don't forget the ".") .Secret
press ENTER
Viola... you are in your "hidden" folder, and can now access your... um... stuff.
NOTE: Anyone with a little terminal savvy can use the terminal to find hidden files, so it's not exactly secure... though you could drop an encrypted .DMG image in the hidden folder that requires a password... THAT would be hidden, and secure if found.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
to show the Hidden files using the terminal type (better yet.. copy/paste) the following:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool YES;killall Finder
Then to HIDE the "Hidden Files" Type (again, might want to just copy/paste) the following in the Terminal:
defaults delete com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles;killall Finder
You can also use the
Onyx Parameters to "Show Hidden Files"