How To Hide Folders From Player Foundry

How to Hide Folders from Your Foundry VTT Game

Foundry Virtual Tabletop (Foundry VTT) is a powerful tool for running tabletop role-playing games, but its flexible file system can sometimes feel overwhelming. This article will guide you through several methods for hiding folders within your Foundry VTT installation, improving organization and streamlining your game experience. We'll cover techniques for both hiding folders from view within the Foundry interface and securing them using file system permissions.

This guide focuses on managing folders for improved organization and doesn't involve manipulating core game functionality or potentially damaging your Foundry installation. Always back up your Foundry data before making significant changes.

Understanding Foundry's File Structure

Before diving into hiding folders, let's briefly review Foundry's structure. Understanding how your files are organized is crucial to successfully managing them. Your Foundry data resides in a specific folder on your computer; within this, you'll find various subfolders containing world data, modules, and user-generated content. These folders are often visible within the Foundry VTT interface.

Method 1: Organizing with Folders & Selective Module Loading

The most straightforward approach isn't strictly "hiding" folders but rather controlling what's visible within the game. This involves careful folder organization and selective module loading:

• Create logical folders: Instead of hiding folders, create a well-structured system using descriptive folder names. Group related assets (maps, tokens, macros) into folders. This improves organization without resorting to hiding.
• Manage Modules: Foundry utilizes modules to extend functionality. Unload or disable modules that you aren't currently using. This prevents their assets from being loaded into the game, effectively "hiding" them from the active world. Remember to only disable modules that are not actively contributing to your current campaign.

This method is preferred as it maintains data integrity and avoids potential conflicts. It's a cleaner and more efficient solution for managing content.

Method 2: Leveraging File System Permissions (Advanced Users)

For more advanced users who understand file system permissions, you can adjust the access rights to your Foundry folders. This method requires a good understanding of your operating system's file permissions and should be approached with caution. Incorrectly setting permissions can render your Foundry data inaccessible.

• Windows: Right-click the folder you want to hide, select "Properties," and go to the "Security" tab. Here, you can modify the permissions for user accounts, limiting access to the folder's contents. This won't hide the folder itself from the file explorer, but it will prevent unauthorized access.
• macOS/Linux: Similar permission adjustment methods exist on macOS and Linux systems using the command line or file system utilities. Research the specific commands for your operating system.

Caution: Incorrectly configured file permissions can prevent Foundry from accessing necessary data. Proceed with caution and only utilize this method if you are comfortable with your operating system's file permission system.

Method 3: Using Symbolic Links (Advanced Users)

Symbolic links (symlinks) create shortcuts to folders without physically moving or copying the data. This method requires advanced understanding of command-line interfaces. This is an advanced technique and improper use could damage your data.

This method is not recommended for beginners as incorrect usage could severely impact the integrity of your Foundry data.

Best Practices for Foundry VTT Organization

Regardless of your chosen method, these best practices will significantly improve your Foundry experience:

• Regular backups: Back up your Foundry data frequently to prevent data loss.
• Descriptive naming: Use clear and concise names for your folders and files.
• Modular design: Organize your assets into logical modules or folders for easy management.
• Regular cleanup: Periodically review and delete unnecessary files or folders.

By implementing these strategies, you can maintain a clean, efficient, and well-organized Foundry VTT game environment. Remember to prioritize data integrity and always back up your files before making significant changes to your file system.