How To Show Hidden Files in macOS
Discover other files on your computer
Removing some files on your MacBook or your Mac desktop could feasibly brick your device. It is because of this that Apple hides these files, making them to be harder to find and to delete. And yet, it is possible to access these files, if it is necessary.
Hidden files on macOS Big Sur take several forms. These include libraries and files, backend directories, and much more. Altogether, these files efficiently run on your system. Apple provides various ways to unhide hidden files on your computer. This includes viewing those files through 'Finder' or by using the Mac’s 'Terminal' app.
The average Mac user should not need to delete or modify system files. Keep this in mind before going any further. Nonetheless, these directions are useful for developers and for anyone receiving tech support from Apple.
1. Using Finder to view hidden files
A. Using the 'Finder' in Mac OS is the easiest way to view hidden files. To get started, click the 'Finder' application on the Mac dock. Choose the 'Macintosh HD folder' that is under Locations on the left side of the 'Finder' window. Next, press and hold on 'Command' + 'Shift' + '.' at the same time. The grayed-out files are those that are typically hidden.
B. You can perform the same steps in the 'Applications', 'Documents', and 'Desktop' folders. To hide the files once again, press and hold on 'Command' + 'Shift' + '.' (the period key) at the same time.
C. The hidden '~/Library' folder is located in the 'Finder's' top menu. It is where the key operating system files are stored on a Mac. To view these, go into 'Finder' and click on 'Go' on the menu bar. Next, hold down the 'Option' key on your keyboard. You will now see the hidden '~/Library' listed as 'Library' on the' Go' menu. Click on it to see the content.
D. Just unclick the 'Option' key to hide the '~/Library' folder again.
2. Using Terminal to view hidden files
The 'Terminal' app allows you to use a text-based access to hidden files. Programmers and developers alike might want to follow the steps listed below.
To use 'Terminal', click on the 'Finder' on the dock. Then choose 'Go' from the menu bar, then 'Utilities'. In the 'Utilities' folder, click on 'Terminal'.
Type the following into 'Terminal' then hit the 'Enter' key:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles true
Next, type the following into 'Terminal', then click 'Enter' on your keyboard:
killall Finder
You can now view hidden and temporary files through your Mac's file system.
When you are done viewing, you should once again hide these files. To do so, use the following command, then click 'Enter'.
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles false
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