#Mac command line show hidden files how to#
#Mac command line show hidden files mac os x#
#Mac command line show hidden files software#

You will see hidden folders become visible.

Go to your Main Drive (Macintosh HD by default).

Mac hides access to hundreds of folders, and unless you already know the directory to a specific folder, you will have to display them all.įortunately for those of you running macOS Sierra or later, Apple has added a Finder keyboard shortcut that makes viewing hidden files a fair bit easier:

#Mac command line show hidden files how to#

How to Display Hidden Files Without Third-Party Apps

Kidding aside, here are a couple of useful techniques that will help you get a hold of hidden files when you need them. Plus, the forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest. Nonetheless, from time to time you will find accessing some of this data useful.

These files and folders contain user and system data that Apple doesn’t make easily available to prevent you from accidentally making changes or altogether removing them from your computer. Remember, there are other ways to clear the cache or do backups on your Mac without revealing essential files.Thousands of files on your Mac are not made visible by default. Whether you opt for third-party apps or native software, you should be super careful and avoid tampering with the system files.

#Mac command line show hidden files software#

In reality, you don’t need any third-party software if you want to reveal files for quick fixes. Like DCommander, Forklift has a dual-pane interface and allows for advanced file management like transferring between servers and apps. Tick the box in front of the “Show hidden files” option, and you are good to go. To view the hidden files, select “ View,” then “Viewing Options” at the bottom of the menu. This app looks and functions similarly to Mac’s Finder, so it might be easier for you to manage and reveal the files and folders. If you are just a regular user, Forklift might be your best option. The app also offers a few advanced features for power users, and it’s all neatly packed into intuitive tabs and pop-up windows. The app has a Show System Files button in the toolbar, but you need to enable it manually. If you want to access the Library files directly, hold the Alt key before selecting the “Go” menu. The trick works for app folders and Documents as well. If you want to hide the files again, just press the keys once more, and they disappear. Once inside the correct folder, press “command + shift + period” on your keyboard to make the hidden files visible.Method 2: Click “ ” in the left column under “Locations,” such as “Steve’s Macbook Pro.“ Open “Finder” and navigate to your “ Macintosh HD” folder.Besides macOS Catalina, it also works on Mojave and most other relatively recent OS iterations.

#Mac command line show hidden files mac os x#

Option #1: Use Mac OS X Finderįinder is arguably the quickest and easiest method to view hidden files. This article provides you with a quick guide for each one, assuming you are using macOS Mojave. There are several ways to view hidden files on your Mac. You can clear cache, backup browser bookmarks, and troubleshoot apps. Needless to say, deleting the system files by accident can jeopardize the OS, so why would you want to reveal the hidden files? Accessing these files allows you to delete leftover data from the apps you’ve already removed.