While macOS allows users to see the majority of the files their Mac holds, not all files are immediately accessible in Finder, with some kept from view to prevent inadvertent changes or deletion. AppleInsider shows how to gain access to those hidden files and folders.
Operating systems typically have some form of file-hiding functionality built in, and macOS is no exception. Many files or folders are hidden all across the Mac's file system, with the main goal of preventing curious users from mistakenly deleting an important folder or changing a critical file that could cause major problems to macOS.
Not everything hidden by macOS is that hazardous, as apps are also using the feature to help preserve a user's work. For example, a word processor could create a temporary copy of a file currently being used, or a file to flag that another file in a folder needs to be protected from other activities while it is in use elsewhere.
Use an app that can toggle the invisible files visible and then invisible. InVisible 1.2.1. Show Hide Invisible Files 1.6. IShow Invisible 1.6.5. Show Hide Invisible Files 1.6. Much easier than using the Terminal. Invisible files with '.' prefix are created on some shared volumes and external disks. When users copy files to some destinations other than the boot drive, they might get multiple files created. This wikiHow teaches you how to view and unhide hidden files and folders on Mac OS X by using the Terminal app. If you don't have any hidden folders on your Mac, you can make one. This app is a blue, face-shaped icon on your. You can use the Terminal app to unhide any hidden files on Mac. Steps are as follows: From Finder Applications Utilities, open Terminal. In Terminal, type defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES, then hit Return. Press the Option key and then secondary-click the Finder icon in Dock. Select Relaunch. Access Files through Stack.
For the adventurous, it is possible to gain access to the hidden files and folders, but the process will differ depending on the operating system, and if you want to have permanent access to said files.
Apple has included an easy way to see the files for those using macOS Sierra and newer releases. A keyboard shortcut can be used to toggle between making the files visible or hiding them again.
Open Finder and navigate to the folder you wish to use. Press the key combination Command-Shift-. (Period) to toggle between the two states.
Terminal
This method is meant for macOS versions older than Sierra, but will also work in both Sierra and High Sierra.
Open the Terminal. This can be found by opening the Finder, selecting Applications, then the Utilities folder.
Enter the following string into the terminal, then press enter:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true; killall Finder
![Files Files](/uploads/1/3/4/1/134153294/698611959.jpg)
This string performs two tasks. The first section before 'true' alters a setting within macOS to automatically show all files. The second 'killall Finder' element effectively restarts the Finder, refreshing your view to show hidden files.
If you wish to reverse the setting, open Terminal and enter the same command, except changing 'true' to 'false' in this way:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles false; killall Finder
Further Thoughts
The files and folders are typically hidden for a very good reason, namely to prevent anyone from accidentally meddling with their operating system and applications in a potentially catastrophic way. Generally speaking, it's best to leave these files alone unless there is a good reason to access them.
If you do feel the need to meddle with these hidden items without any constructive purpose, it is advised to avoid doing so on any mission-critical systems, and to make backups beforehand, just in case any data is lost.
AppleInsider has affiliate partnerships and may earn commission on products purchased through affiliate links. These partnerships do not influence our editorial content.
Want to view hidden files or folder on Mac OS X? Here three ways are available for you to choose, especially the first two are recommended to show hidden files or folder in Finder.
3 Ways to show or hide hidden files or folder on Mac OS X:
Way 1: Show and view hidden files or folder with shortcut keys
Get this way while you have the detailed location of hidden files or folder.
For example, when you need to view hidden iTunes backup on Mac, just press CMD + Shift + G and enter the backup location in pop-up Go to Folder dialog. Then click Go to open the hidden folder on Mac OS X.
Way 2: Show and view hidden files or folder with Terminal
Terminal would always work while you need to show or hide hidden files or folder on Mac OS X.
Command to show or hide hidden files via Terminal:
Top 5 best mac apps. defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles NO
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles NO
Step 1: Run Terminal on Mac OS X.
Open FinderApplicationsUtilities, and you could find Terminal there. Double-click it to run on Mac OS X. https://strongtree347.weebly.com/dropbox-mac-app-download.html.
Step 2: Show hidden files on Mac with Terminal.
1. Enter or paste the following command in Terminal and press Enter. Mac app store sucks.
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES
Invisible Files Mac App Installer
2. Hold on Option (Ctrl +Alt) and click Finder. Select Relaunch from pop-up menu to reopen Finder.
3. Go to the user 'deger' and hidden files and folder are shown.
For example, you can see the Library that saves iTunes backup appears. You can open it to see iTunes backup file. As you know, when hidden files are not shown, you cannot open iTunes backup file with this method in Finder.
Step 3: Hide hidden files or folder with Terminal.
![Invisible files mac app download Invisible files mac app download](/uploads/1/3/4/1/134153294/132485915.png)
Go back to Terminal and type the following command. Press Enter and hidden files or folder would become hidden again after Finder relaunches.
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles NO
Compared to above feature provided by Mac to show or hide hidden files or folder, third-party app would work more easily, especially when you need to usually show and hide some files or folder. It is worth trying but the security of the apps cannot be promised or guaranteed.
Way 3: Show and view hidden files or folder with third-party app
Choose one from them if you prepare to show or hide hidden files on Mac with third-party software. How to quit a nonresponse app on mac.
1. ShowAllFiles
Download the app and double-click the zip file you get. Then it would run on Mac OS X. With two buttons on the app, 'Show Special Files' and 'Hide Special Files', you will be able to show or hide hidden files easily. When all files are shown, and if you want to make some of them invisible, just need to drag them to the box on the app.
http://gotoes.org/sales/ShowHiddenFilesMacOSX/How_To_Show_Hidden_Files.php
2. Funder
With only the option 'Show Hidden Files' on Funder, you could show hidden files or hide files by turning it on or off.
https://nektony.com/products/funter/download
Invisible Files Mac App Download
Related Articles: