FileFreeze

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.

How do I use FileFreeze?

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.

What might I want to do?

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.