How Do I Show Hidden Files on Mac?

Macs are all the rage these days with their sleek design and advanced performance. But for those who’re new to the Apple ecosystem, it can be a bit tricky to find and properly use all its features. For example, some files on your Mac might be hidden so that you don’t accidentally change or delete them. This is needed to protect important system files and settings that your computer needs to run smoothly.

In such a case, you might be wondering how to show the hidden files on your Mac. This article will show you how to find these files using tools like Commander One, Finder, and Terminal, along with a few other simple methods.

1. Show Hidden Files With Commander One

Commander One has been a huge game changer in the way you can manage your files on your Mac, especially when it comes to accessing hidden files quickly and efficiently. This dual-panel file manager is designed specially for macOS as an alternative to its built-in Finder. 

If you think Finder is helpful for your file management, Commander One will definitely take things up a notch. Whatever files and tasks you have to manage, it will simplify your process with its two-panel structure. 

You can choose from a number of adjustable fonts, colours, and hotkeys so that the interface is exactly according to what you like. It also integrates with cloud services and remote servers so you can manage files across different platforms easily. 

If you’re looking to find your hidden files, there are just a few steps you need to follow:

1. Download and install Commander One on your Mac.
2. Give it permission to run the program. 
3. Use the toggle switch on Commander’s Toolbar to search for hidden files. You can also click on “View” and “Show Hidden Files”.
4. Check and manage your hidden files in peace. You can also adjust your hotkeys and make use of more features like folder history, unlimited tabs, advanced search, and content search to handle your files all in one place. 

2. Show Hidden Files With Finder

Finder is the default file management tool that is used on Mac. You can use this software to easily browse and navigate your files and apps using the sidebar and customise it according to your needs. You can also organise these files into folders and switch between different views to flip through your documents. 

Finder can also help access hidden files in the following way:

1. Click the Finder icon that looks like a blue and white smiling face.
2. Go to the folder where you want to find hidden files.
3. Press the Command + Shift + . (period) keys at the same time. This will show all the hidden files in the folder.
4. If you want to hide the files again, press the Command + Shift + . (period) keys again.

3. Show Hidden Files With Terminal

Terminal is a command-line interface on macOS that lets you engage with your computer by typing text-based commands. You can manage your files, change your settings, run programs, perform your admin tasks, and configure settings all without touching your mouse. This is a more advanced alternative for Mac users. 

You can find hidden files with Terminal as well: 

1. Go to “Applications” and open the “Utilities” folder. 
2. Find the folder for “Terminal” and launch it. 
3. Run the command: defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles true and hit “Enter.”
4. Run the second command: killall Finder and hit “Enter.” 
5. After processing this script, your Mac will reveal your hidden files in Finder.
6. If you want to hide these files again, run the following commands:
   1. defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles false and press “Enter.”
   2. killall Finder and hit “Enter.”

What to Do With This Information

Now that you’ve found your hidden files on Mac, you can check their contents to see whether you need to change or delete them. If you decide to make any changes, don’t forget to backup the initial files just in case. And if you plan to remove or delete any hidden files, make sure that you understand what each file can do to your system to avoid any unnecessary complications. 

With your hidden files out in the open, you can organise them properly and verify file permissions where needed. This will determine who can access or modify the files. If you’re worried about maintaining privacy and protecting your data, you can consider encrypting your files as well. 

Finding Your Hidden Files Is Quite Easy

Valuable tools like Commander One make all the difference in your file management process. If you like to maintain a clean and organised digital workspace for both personal and professional reasons, programs such as these will be your best ally. Make sure to use it carefully so that you don’t lose any important data that could affect your system’s functionality during your organisation.