How to View Hidden Files on Your Mac

Hidden files are hidden for a reason. Modifying or deleting them can cause unexpected behavior in your system. It’s recommended to only modify hidden files if you’re confident about what you’re doing

.After you’re done viewing hidden files, be sure to hide them again using whichever method you chose.

There are two main ways to view hidden files on your Mac:

Using Finder (Simple)

1. Open Finder.
2. Navigate to the folder where you suspect hidden files might be.
3. Press Command + Shift + . (period key) simultaneously. This is the shortcut to toggle hidden files.

• Hidden files will appear translucent or faint grayed out.

4. To hide the files again, press the same shortcut Command + Shift + ..

Using Terminal (For Advanced Users)

This method involves using Terminal commands. It’s generally less recommended than the Finder method because it requires more steps and can be risky if you enter incorrect commands. However, it’s an option if you prefer the command line.

1. Open Terminal (search for it using Spotlight).
2. Type the following command:

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE

• Press Enter.

3. Then, type this command:

killall Finder

• Press Enter again.
• This will force Finder to restart with hidden files shown.

To hide hidden files again using Terminal:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type the following command:

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE

• Press Enter.

3. Then, type this command:

killall Finder

• Press Enter again.