Most system files on macOS are contained in hidden folders, which aren’t visible in Finder. A different file manager for Mac will allow you to view or change them. We can suggest some viewer apps and methods that are suited for the task.
macOS has files and folders hidden from users' eyes. In particular, these are system components and temporary files of installed applications, which usually no one touches. But if you still need to access them, then read the article to know how to show hidden files on Mac.
Commander One offers the easiest and the most convenient way, however, there are also several other ways to reveal hidden files on Mac. Continue reading to know more.
Most system files on macOS are contained in hidden folders, which aren’t visible in Finder. A different file manager for Mac will allow you to view or change them. We can suggest some viewer apps and methods that are suited for the task.
Many file navigators, including Finder, can browse hidden folders in addition to the visible ones. It’s a quick way to show hidden files - Mac Terminal is not needed. All it takes is usually a menu option or a shortcut. Here are two different solutions that rely on file managers.
If you want to look at the system files, Mac show hidden files in Finder with a handy shortcut. The same key combination also lets you hide them again, if you don’t want to accidentally move or delete these directories later.
Hidden directories and files can be told apart from others by their faded, semi-transparent icons and names. Even when you know how to show hidden files Mac users should be careful with system folders - they can cause a lot of harm to your system if they are removed or altered in any way.
Note that if you use this method to show hidden files on Mac, it’s limited to a single Finder window. All the other currently open windows will not have the setting enabled, and it will be reset as soon as the affected window is closed.
It’s a high-quality third-party app. Commander One includes a convenient, persistent way to reveal hidden directories. Unlike the option to show hidden files in Finder Mac OS, this one is toggled on both of Commander One’s panels at the same time.
But Commander One isn’t just an utility that can show hidden files in Mac. It’s a multifunctional file manager that combines numerous administration tools in a single easy-to-use interface. Work with folders, archives, text documents, tasks, local disks, remote and cloud drives, and the Terminal - all in the same window.
It’s not just immensely useful. Commander One is also highly customizable, letting the users change a great number of its aspects, including fonts, colors, and hotkeys. This app adapts itself to the users’ needs in other ways, including folder history and unlimited tabs. And if you have lots of files, don’t worry - advanced search and content search will help you find the right one every time.
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The Terminal is a tool with many uses. If you know what to do, there are all sorts of tools for system management, network setup, and so on. It can show hidden files on Mac as well. On Mac, a Terminal can be opened from Launchpad or Spotlight.
There’s a method to configure Finder to start with hidden files being displayed by default. It’s redundant due to how easily this can be toggled in the app itself, but it’s worth mentioning for curiosity’s sake.
Open the Terminal and run the command:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE; killall Finder
To undo this setting:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE; killall Finder
Various apps can interact with hidden files, even if they aren’t made specifically for the purpose. For example, OneSwitch is a utility with lots of functions, and one of them lets you toggle file visibility. Just click the widget to expand it, and you’ll find the option near the bottom. It affects Finder, so you don’t have to set this option next time you use it.
HoudahSpot went for a different way to show hidden files in Mac. It’s a search app that displays the results even if they’re hidden. You could search for a known file, or the name of a system directory. Either way, you’ll be presented with a list of results that you can narrow down according to your liking.
Library Folders contain most system files on macOS. There are three types of Library - one specific to users, located in "~/Library", one on every Macintosh HD, and a system-wide folder in the root directory, "~/Library". Even though these are hidden folders, you can go to them directly by using the "Go" command in Finder. For example:
Once the desired folder has been spotted, you can pin it to the Finder sidebar in order to access it later, without having to enable hidden file visibility.
Security is the main reason why certain files and folders are hidden in macOS. Some data must remain invisible to avoid third-party interference. By default, service and system files, caches, logs, and settings of installed applications are hidden. So as you can see, Mac hidden folders and files are systemic and are needed for the normal functioning of the computer's operating system, that is, you should not change or delete them.
However, there are exceptions everywhere and experienced users often resort to methods that allow them to make hidden files visible on Mac - for example, to completely remove applications, to configure some system parameters, or for other operations.
The great plus of using third-party file managers is that they allow you to show hidden folders on Mac as well as files without leaving the app’s interface, without using Terminal or shortcuts.
In other words, you do not have to remember all the commands or hit the panic button each time you hear the work Terminal and pray the Lord your Mac to continue working after executing the command. Or simply using the wrong shortcut and hoping that it will not kill your Mac.
That is why to unhide files Mac users are more likely to choose third-party file managers. As all you need to do is to click the only button. Besides that, third-party file managers save time, which is a great plus in our modern world, and also they offer more enhanced features for perfect file management.
Once you learn how to show hidden files, macOS opens up, providing countless opportunities. But you’ll need more than viewing - working with important files and folders may require cloud backups, task tracking, or Terminal emulation. Any change could topple your whole system, so make sure you’re prepared.
Get informed and use a universal file manager, such as Commander One. As long as you’re careful, you’ll be able to utilize many newly-available hacks and fixes, and get more out of your system.
