求带GUI的指定文件加密软件：支持本地存储与Google Drive备份

Since you already have your home folder encrypted on Ubuntu 16.04 and need a GUI tool to secure individual files (docs, PDFs, images) while keeping local copies and backing up encrypted versions to cloud storage like Google Drive, here are three reliable options tailored to your needs:

1. Seahorse (GnuPG GUI) #

Seahorse is the default GNOME encryption utility that wraps GnuPG—an industry-standard open-source encryption framework. It supports both password-based and public/private key encryption, making it flexible for personal or shared use.

• Installation: It’s usually pre-installed, but if missing, run:

  sudo apt-get install seahorse nautilus-gpg
  

  (Restart Nautilus after installing nautilus-gpg to enable right-click encryption options.)
• How to use:
  1. Right-click the file you want to encrypt → select Encrypt.
  2. Choose between password encryption (for easy access across devices) or your GPG key (more secure for personal use).
  3. The original file remains untouched, and a new .gpg encrypted file is created in the same directory.
• Cloud backup fit: Simply upload the .gpg file to Google Drive or any cloud service. You can decrypt it later on any device with GnuPG or Seahorse, as long as you have the password/key.

2. Cryptomator #

Cryptomator is built specifically for cloud storage encryption, offering a seamless workflow for backing up encrypted files. It creates encrypted "vaults" that mount as virtual drives, so you work with plaintext files locally while the actual stored data stays encrypted.

• Installation: Add the official repository and install with:

  sudo add-apt-repository ppa:sebastian-stenzel/cryptomator
  sudo apt-get update
  sudo apt-get install cryptomator
  

• How to use:
  1. Open Cryptomator and create a new vault—you can place it directly in your Google Drive sync folder (for automatic cloud backup) or on your local drive.
  2. Set a strong password for the vault.
  3. Mount the vault (it appears as a virtual drive in your file manager).
  4. Copy your important files into the mounted vault—they’re automatically encrypted when you unmount the vault.
• Cloud backup fit: This tool eliminates the risk of syncing unencrypted files by design. The vault’s encrypted contents are stored both locally and in the cloud, and only you hold the decryption password.

3. File Roller (with 7-Zip Encryption) #

If you prefer a simple, archive-based solution, Ubuntu’s default File Roller (archive manager) paired with 7-Zip lets you create password-protected encrypted archives while keeping your original files intact.

• Installation: Install the 7-Zip backend first:

  sudo apt-get install p7zip-full p7zip-rar
  

• How to use:
  1. Right-click your files → select Compress...
  2. Choose .7z as the archive format from the dropdown.
  3. Check the Password protect box, enter a strong password, and enable Encrypt file names to hide your file details in the archive.
  4. Click Create—your original files stay in place, and a password-protected .7z archive is generated.
• Cloud backup fit: Upload the .7z archive to your cloud storage. You can open it on any device with 7-Zip or compatible archive tools using your password.

Quick Tips #

• Always test decrypting your encrypted files before deleting the original copies to avoid data loss.
• For cloud sync, double-check that you’re only uploading the encrypted files/vaults, not the unencrypted originals.

内容的提问来源于stack exchange，提问作者Ken Loving