macOS comes with a built-in Finder app to view and work with all sorts of files.
All the usual files are visible by default, but many files are hidden on Mac.
These files mainly include system files and other important files.
If these files are not hidden, one can accidentally delete them, leading to a system failure.
At times we require to show hidden files on Mac.
For example, while working with the web servers, I frequently download an htacccess file on my Mac.
By default, it doesnt appear in the Downloads folder, but I have to access it anyhow.
Show Hidden Files On Mac
There are mainly two ways to show hidden files on Mac.
The first uses the Finder app, and the second uses the Terminal app.
Using Finder
The best way to show hidden files on Mac is using the built-in Finder app.
It is easier than you might think.
1.Open Finder on your Mac.
Browse to the folder where you want to show the hidden files.
You want to see hidden files in the Downloads folder, then kick off the folder.
3.TypeCommand + Shift + .
(Period) key on your Mac keyboard.
Once you punch in the keyboard shortcuts, all the hidden files will show up there.
Similarly, when you jot down the shortcut, you will see hidden files on your Mac.
you’re free to go through the hidden files and make changes as per your specific need.
Once you make the changes in the hidden files, dont forget to rehide them hidden files.
To rehide the files, all you have to do is press the sameCommand + Shift + .
(Period) key on your keyboard.
Using Terminal
One can also show hidden files on Mac using the built-in Terminal app.
1.Open Finder on your Mac and tap on the system folder in the left sidebar.
2.Under system, folder scrolls down to utility folder and opens it.
In the Macs Utility folder, you will find the Terminal app tap to open.
3.after you snag opened the Terminal app, copy and paste the below string and hit enter.
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true; killall Finder
4.After it, key in the below string and hit enter.
5.Once done, hidden files will get visible on your Mac.
you’re able to go through different folders and perform the action you want to achieve.
Below are the steps to hide those files.
1.In the Terminal app, paste the below string and hit enter.
We are replacing true with false from the above string.
2.punch in or paste the below command after it.
Thats it; hidden files will get invisible once again.
Final Words
Apple has done well to keep the critical system files hidden by default.
It saves a lot of Mac users from deleting those files and ruining the operating system.
But at times, it is required to show hidden files.
