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) ๐
- Open any Finder window.
- 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) ๐
- Open a Finder window.
- Click on the Go menu in the menu bar at the top of your screen.
- Hold down the Option (โฅ) 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) ๐
Open the Terminal application (located in Applications > Utilities).
Type the following command:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES
Press Enter.
This command instructs Finder to permanently display all hidden files.
Remember ๐
- 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 ๐
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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