Easy Guides to Show Hidden Files in Mac

I recently upgraded my Mac to El Capitan and it removed folders that I had purposely hidden, and I couldn’t find them. This brought them out of the woodwork. How do I reveal hidden files on my Mac? I’M on a Mac book running OS X 10.5.8.

How to show the Hidden Files in Mac?

Apple likes to keep things simple for its users, and keeps many files and folders hidden away from prying eyes. The Mac’s hidden file structure ensures that Mac newcomers do not interfere with the inner workings of a Mac. But as a new user or old user, Mac system is not easy to skilled operation. Show hidden files may be the one of strange and complex operation process for them; some people do not even realize that there are a huge range of hidden files, and folders in Mac.

In contrast to Microsoft Windows, by default, the macOS hides system files to make sure that Mac newbie do not get in the way with the inner operations of a Mac. If some hidden files is important to you, The following methods may help to you:

There are three methods to show hidden files in Mac

Method 1: Command operation. The Terminal application is the fast way to display hidden files in Mac OS X and macOS Sierra. The Terminal app enables you to control Mac OS X or macOS Sierra using the command line to enter Unix commands. We like to think of Terminal as the hood of a car; it allows you to open Mac OS X or macOS Sierra up and look inside.

Step 1: Go to “Terminal”, click on “Applications”, and select “Utilties”. A new window appears, you can see the Terminal and double click on it.

Step 2: Enter this command:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
or
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

Please note about different versions of Mac OS X: If you look carefully, you’ll notice there is a very slight difference in casing for making hidden files and folders visible in modern versions of Mac OS and Mac OS X versus older versions of Mac OS X system software (com. apple. finder vs. com. apple. Finder). That casing is important, however, which is why you must enter exact syntax.

Method 2: Interface operation

Personally, I suggest using the interface operation to show the hidden files. If you are not familiar with the command operation, a wrong character input may lead to serious consequences, such as damage to your system and lose the important files on your Mac.

Step 1: Open your “Finder”, click on “Go” option, and select “Computer”. And go on the folder which you want to show the hidden files.

Step 2: Press “Command +F” key and you will see the search bar. Click “Kind” button and choose to “other”.

Step 3: when you choose to “other” option, it will pop ups a new search bar, and then find the “File invisible” option, and then mark it.

Step 4: Click “Ok” and then go back to the folder, you will see the hidden files in your eyes.

Method 3: Third party tools (Here does not provide any third party software).

Note: Everyone have the different ability to understand tech guides. If you still can’t show the hidden files by yourself, welcome to contact our Online technology experts help you directly and quickly.