macOS
How do I show hidden files on Mac?
Quick answer
To show hidden files on a Mac, you can use a keyboard shortcut in Finder or modify Terminal settings.
This guide explains how to reveal hidden files on macOS using keyboard shortcuts or Terminal commands.
Steps
- 1
Show Hidden Files with Shortcut
Open any Finder window and press Command + Shift + Period (⌘ + ⇧ + .) to toggle hidden files.
- 2
Show Hidden Files with Terminal
Open Terminal and run 'defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true', then type 'killall Finder' to apply changes.
Using Keyboard Shortcut
In Finder, you can quickly toggle the visibility of hidden files by pressing Command + Shift + Period (⌘ + ⇧ + .). This method works in most recent versions of macOS.
Using Terminal
If you prefer using Terminal, you can show hidden files by entering the command: 'defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true' followed by 'killall Finder' to refresh Finder.
Watch out for
- The keyboard shortcut may not work in older versions of macOS, where Terminal commands are recommended.
FAQ
How do I revert back to hiding files?
You can revert back by using the same keyboard shortcut (Command + Shift + Period) or by running 'defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles false' in Terminal followed by 'killall Finder'.
Will this affect all applications?
No, this change only affects Finder. Other applications may have their own settings for showing hidden files.
Are there any risks in showing hidden files?
Yes, hidden files often contain system or application data. Modifying or deleting them can cause issues with system functionality.