Linux: Hide your folders in KDE

Hackosis is an Open Blog. You Can Participate.

Linux: Hide your folders in KDE
Filed under Featured, Linux, Open source, Security, Tutorials.

KDE Folder

Want to keep your MP3s away from your boss’ or big brother’s view? Of course, in Linux anything that starts with a period is “suppose” to be hidden; but all we have to do is type “ls -A” or turn on the viewing of hidden files in KDE…not too hard. Basically what we can do is set a transparent PNG as our folder icon, and rename our folder with a ” “(space). This will actually keep the previous name of the folder.Also we will keep anyone out of the folder that doesn’t know Linux commands, and doesn’t know exactly where we have placed the icon. This works GREAT for the desktop.

How to hide your folders in KDE:

Download the image below and save it to your home directory.
(i know you can’t see it, it is transparent! Duh, that is the point…)
Where ever you want to create the hidden folder, Right-click -> Create New -> Folder…
Name the folder something like “MP3s”.
Right-click the folder and go to Properties. Click the folder icon in the General tab of the Properties box.
Click the radio button next to “Other Icons”. Click Browse and navigate to your home directory and select the transparent.png that you downloaded in step 1.
Click OK. Now, right-click the folder that has “no” icon and left-click rename. Type a “space” in place of the existing name. And now the folder “appears” to be renamed. There is a little dotted line around the “space”, but that will go away as soon as you deselect it.

Now you have a hidden folder even if you decide to show hidden files in KDE. Just don’t forget where you placed it! Send more tips @ shane at hackosis dot com.