How to Show Hidden Files on Mac?

There are several ways to show Mac’s secret files. Let’s look at how Mac can show things that are hidden.

Why Unhide the Files on macOS?

You might have a good reason to show hidden items. But Apple hides files so that the operating system doesn’t get hurt by chance. Make sure you know the risks before you do anything. Unhiding files isn’t dangerous, but many people do it to change or delete something. Only delete things that you know you can get rid of safely.

Lastly, since one of the main reasons people delete files is to get more space, it might be helpful to remember you that there are other ways to get more space without touching your Mac’s hidden files. NordLocker is one example. It’s a safe cloud with a free 3 GB plan, end-to-end encryption both in the cloud and locally, backup, and the ability to offload your files and save device storage.

Showing Hidden Files via Mac Finder

The first and easiest method is using Mac Finder to show hidden files:

1. Open the folder where you want to search for hidden files.
2. Press the “Command” + “Shift” + “.” (period) keys at the same time.
3. The hidden files will show up as translucent in the folder.
4. If you want to obscure the files again, press the same “Command” + “Shift” + “.” (period) combination.

Read More: 5 Creative Ways to Use Apple Freeform App

Mac Terminal: Show Hidden Files

Another way is by using the Mac Terminal to show hidden files:

1. Open Terminal by typing “Terminal” in Mac’s search bar. Alternatively, you can find it by clicking on Go in the menu bar, selecting “Applications,” scrolling down to “Utilities,” expanding the folder, and clicking on “Terminal.”
2. Type in “defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles true” and press “Enter.”
3. Type in “killall Finder” and press “Enter” again.

Once you run the script, the hidden files should show up in Finder. When you’re done, tuck away the files again by following these steps:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type in “defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles false” and press “Enter.”
3. Type in “killall Finder” and press “Enter” again.

You can also use Terminal to hide your specific files from prying eyes. To obscure something from view on your Mac, follow these steps:

1. Open Terminal.
2. Type in “chflags hidden.”
3. Drag the files you want to hide into the Terminal window.
4. Press “Enter” to hide the files.

Keep in mind that anyone can use the same steps to find the files you just hid. Think about using NordLocker’s Mac file encryption to keep your information safe from prying eyes. No one but you will be able to see what’s in the files this way.

Read More: How to Twitter GIF Downloader by SmallSEOTools?

Viewing Hidden Files on A Mac Using File Managers

You can also use third-party file managers to find secret files. File organizers make it pretty easy to do. Here’s how to use ForkLift to show secret files on a Mac:

All done! Now you can change the files however you want. But don’t forget to be careful. If you move or delete one of these files by accident, it can slow down your computer.

1. Open the ForkLift app.
2. Click “View” in the top menu.
3. Select “Show hidden files.”