macOS allows users to Lock files in the Finder which prevents applications and users from writing over the file. However, not all software is designed to handle a locked file well. Enter FileFreeze.
FileFreeze allows users to freeze a file instead of locking it. Software is allowed to write over the file, but FileFreeze will restore the archived state moments later. This can be a more friendly way to "Lock" files.
Please note that FileFreeze needs Full Disk Access to operate.
To freeze a file in its current state click the Plus button in the toolbar and select a file. Alternatively, you may drag a file from Finder into the freeze list window.
To remove a freeze and allow a file to be changed by other applications, select the file in the list and press the Minus button in the toolbar.
FileFreeze was initially built to lock Xojo UI State files. Xojo crashes if you use the Finder Lock feature on a UI State file. Freezing a file instead of locking it is a great way to help any application that's struggling with locked files.
I also discovered freezing the known_hosts file comes in handy. While building Lifeboat I end up connecting to a lot of different servers. I lock the known_hosts file to retain the hosts I need.
