How to encrypt a file in OS X

Although there's a way to encrypt a lot of files in OS X using Disk Utility, those files can be very big.  What if you just want to save one SMALL file, for example to send through email?

Encrypt one file

1. Move the file you'd like to encrypt to your desktop (for this example, it will be FileName.doc). 
   
2. If there are spaces in the file, we recommend putting it in a folder without spaces and following the "Encrypt many files" instructions below
   
3. Open up Terminal from the /Applications/Utilities folder
4. You'll see a big white window with a little bit of text
5. Type "cd Desktop" and press the Enter key
6. Type "zip -e zipfilename.zip FileName.doc"
7. Choose a password you don't think anyone could guess and type it twice (if the information is very important see choosing a good password).
   

You're done!  To unzip the file, simply double click on it.  No matter who you send the file to, both Mac and PC (so long as they're using Windows XP or above) will recognize the file is protected and prompt for the password.

Encrypt many files

1. Put all the files you need in a single folder without spaces
   
2. Move the folder to your desktop (for this example, it will be FolderName).
3. Open up Terminal from the /Applications/Utilities folder
4. Type "cd Desktop" and press the Enter key
5. Type "zip -er zipfilename.zip FolderName"
6. Choose a password you don't think anyone could guess and type it twice (if the information is very important see choosing a good password).