Locked files on a MAC

When a file is locked on a MAC, you cannot compress the directory containing it. Even if the locked file is way down is some subdirectory. This should be changed by the MAC developers. Compressing files doesn't change the file in any way. It makes a copy.

Also, attempting to unlock a file is combersome. A simple keyboard or popup menu to unlock the file would be easy to do and VERY USEFUL. Just add a Lock/Unlock menu item to the popup menu for a file or directory.

An option to do that recursively (for all files in a directory, down to the lowest level) would also be VERY USEFUL.


When will the MAC developers start listening to their users?

MacBook Pro 15″, macOS 11.7

Posted on Mar 24, 2024 9:15 AM

Reply
6 replies

Mar 24, 2024 10:06 AM in response to dreappdev

Click here and pick a form.


If you're referring to the Compressor application, use the one for it.

If you're referring to the Compress menu item in the Finder, use the macOS one.


To unlock all items in a folder, choose Utilities from the Finder's Go menu, open the Script Editor, and run:


do shell script "chflags -R nouchg " & quoted form of POSIX path of (choose folder)


(251799)

Mar 24, 2024 10:26 AM in response to dreappdev

Niel has provided the correct answer by not only giving the Feedback link, but also provides a way to do exactly what you want.


I would say that your use case is only an issue for a very small number of users. Very few will find a need to Lock a file and even less would need to compress a folder that contains that locked file. For the users like you that do have a need to do that, the provided Script will unlock all files in a folder and you can also create your own Script that will do that and compress the folder simply by dragging the folder onto the script. The Script Editor is a powerful tool that will let you do much more to personalize your workflow. For more information on creating your own scripts:

Script Editor User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

Mar 24, 2024 10:04 AM in response to dreappdev

FCP stands for Final Cut Pro. The applications are very often used in conjunction. There is feedback in Compressor as well.


It may matter if the file is embedded in an FCP project, which is the most common source of content used in Compressor.


I’ll assume it’s standalone video file of a basic format and codec and locked singly in the Finder and not at a folder level.

Locked files on a MAC

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.