How to show hidden files in Finder in MacOS ?

Unveiling the Hidden: How to Show Hidden Files in macOS Finder

Ever misplaced a file or folder in your Mac and suspect it might be hidden? Fear not! macOS hides certain system files by default, but you can easily reveal them with a few simple tricks.

Here are three methods to show hidden files in your Finder:

Method 1: Using the Keyboard Shortcut (Simple & Quick) 🔗

1. Open any Finder window.
2. Press Command + Shift + . (period) on your keyboard. Hidden files will instantly appear translucent within your folders.

Pro Tip: Repeat this key combination to hide the files again when you’re done.

Method 2: Utilizing the Finder Menu (For More Control) 🔗

1. Open a Finder window.
2. Click on the Go menu in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
3. Hold down the Option (⌥) key while selecting Library. This action will temporarily reveal the hidden Library folder, which contains essential system files.

Note: Modifying files within the Library folder can affect your system’s functionality, so proceed with caution and only make changes if you’re confident.

Method 3: The Terminal Approach (For Power Users) 🔗

1. Open the Terminal application (located in Applications > Utilities).

2. Type the following command:

   defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES
   

3. Press Enter.

This command instructs Finder to permanently display all hidden files.

Remember 🔗

• To revert the changes made with the Terminal command and hide hidden files again, type the following command in Terminal and press Enter:

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles NO

• Always restart Finder (right-click the Dock icon and select Relaunch) after using the Terminal commands for the changes to take effect.

Finding Your Hidden Gems & final words 🔗

By following these methods, you’ll be able to access and manage hidden files on your Mac. Remember, hidden files often contain system-critical data, so exercise caution when modifying them.

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