In this article, we will explore about how to show hidden files on Mac and Macbook Pro and air with using incredible 9 easier tricks. At the end, you will say that i can do it myself!
What is Hidden Files on Mac?
Hidden files on your Mac are those files that are getting to invisible from all users, and you can also manage these invisible files and folders by their icon types and name. Hidden file name start with a dot (.) and second file icon is translucent.
MacOS makes the invisible files and folders that are required for system to operate. Application also makes hidden files like as cache files, logs, preferences, and more.
Mac contains thousands of hidden files and folders that could not find or reveal by using traditional ways; such as search with Spotlight or open a folder, because Mostly files are hidden from view to protect you
Why are Your Files Hidden by Mac?
The main reason to hide thousand files and folders on macOS is for security. Mac’s safety itself, so that it work smoothly without any errors and bugs. Hidden files have service files to Mac’s operating system.
Second reason is to make you stress – free. Invisible files on your Mac offer your system a clean and tidy appearance.
How to Show Hidden Files on Mac
In this section, we will guide you about how you can find all hidden files and folders on your Mac and Macbook by using 9 effective hacks.
Now let’s start!!
How to Show Hidden Files in ‘Macintosh HD’ Using Finder
macOS contains Macintosh HD folder that itself is hidden into Finder menu, you can also show all hidden files and folders from Macintosh HD folder by following few basic steps; below mentioned all:
Firstly launch Finder app on your Mac and Macbook.
Next hit on <Finder> option that showing at the top toolbar, then it will display drop down menu and click on <Preferences> option.
Further new window will be opened, choose <Sidebar> tab, and then tick checkbox next to your system’s name.
Now you have to enter into <Finder> and choose your computer’s name that showing in the sidebar.
Hit on <Macintosh HD>
Finally press <Command + Shift + period key> these key at same time, then all hidden files or folder will show, and some, if not, will be greyed out.
How to See Hidden Files in ‘Library Folder’ Using Finder
Library folder mostly having macOS system files and then it saves automatically version of Microsoft Office documents. Here we will guide you about how to see hidden files on your Mac and Macbook pro from Library menu and fetch all saved version of Office documents. How to use it:
Open Finder app on your Mac
And go to menu bar and then hit on <Go> option.
Next this will appear drop-down menu and select <Go to Folder> option.
Further write /Library and press <Go> tab.
Now you will see all hidden files and folders into Library folders into Finder menu.
How to View Hidden Files on Mac Using Terminal
Terminal is built-in app in your Mac and Macbook. It is command line app that lets you to handle Mac with using low level commands. With using few simple commands, you can view all hidden files and folders on your Mac; below explain all:
Firstly open <Terminal App> from Spotlight search or Launchpad.
Next you have to copy and paste this command into your Terminal window:
Then you are able to view all hidden files and folders into Finder.
How to Find Hidden Files on Mac Using Shortcut
If you have latest version Mac system like as macOS High Sierra, macOS Sierra, and later series. Then you can use keyboard shortcut to find all hidden files on your Mac. How to use it:
Firstly you have to locate folder from <Finder> where you suspect there are hidden files.
Now press <Shift + Command (⌘) + Period > key same time
Then this will be revealed all hidden file on this certain folder.
How to Access Hidden Files on Mac
If the ways mentioned above more difficult to you, don’t worry, we have other methods to access all hidden files and folders on your Mac and Macbook.
Third-party File Manager lets you to access hidden files on Mac by using basic steps. Here we will discuss about three third party file manager app like as: ForkLift app, Commander One app, and Funter.
Unhide hidden file using ForkLift
Firstly download and install ForkLift app from its official website.
Once done it, launch ForkLift app on your Mac system.
Next go to <View> option at the top menu and choose <Show hidden files>
Now you are able to access all hidden files and folders on your Mac.
Once done it successfully, open Commander One app on Mac.
Now go to “View > Show Hidden Files“
Now all hidden files will be appeared on your Mac’ screen.
Show hidden files on Mac using Funter
Funter is free application that allows you to find, hide, and search for hidden files on Mac. How to use it:
Firstly download from its official website and install on your Mac.
Once done it successfully, open Funter on your system.
Next turn on toggle button <Show Hidden Files> at the menu bar.
Open Finder, and then you will be able to show your all hidden files and folders.
How to Reveal Hidden Files using AppleScript
AppleScript is a scripting language that is used in your Mac, and it also allows you to reveal all hidden files and folders on your macOS by firing commands on its “Script Editor“. Here’s how:
Firstly you have to need <Script Editor> application from <LaunchPad>.
Next click on <New document> button
Further Copy and paste the following code into the editor’s window:
display dialog “Show all files” buttons {“TRUE”, “FALSE”}
set result to button returned of result
if result is equal to “TRUE” then
do shell script “defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean true”
else
do shell script “defaults delete com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles”
end if
Now hit on <Run> button
Click on <True> tab to reveal hidden files.
Save this file to further use.
Clean up Hidden Files and Folder
Most of time, you wish to show all hidden files and folders and to remove them for getting free up space on hard drive. Then we suggest you “CleanMyMac X” because it allows easy interface to delete systematically unneeded files and folders. How to use it:
Firstly download and install it from its official website.
Once done it successfully, choose <Smart Scan> from sidebar that showing at the top left.
Press <Scan> button
Choose tab from <Cleanup> option and you will see detail of scan.
Now hit on <Clean> option to remove unwanted files and folders.
