How to Show Hidden Files on Mac – Complete Guide
Overview: If you here to know about how to show hidden files on mac. Then, you should know that macOS hides certain files and folders by default to prevent accidental changes. As these are usually the system files. However, you might need these files to access them for troubleshooting purposes in order to clean the system or adjust settings. So, this guide will cover various aspects like why files are hidden on Mac, how to show them manually, and tips for handling them safely.
Reasons to View Hidden Files on Mac
There are several reasons to show hidden files on mac. Let’s know all these points in the wordings below.
- It is also done to locate corrupted files or fix configuration errors related to file location.
- In order to recover lost files using logs or backups.
- Modify hidden configuration files for system tweaks.
- Identify and delete unnecessary files which take up your valuable space on your system storage.
- Sometimes, you need to open hidden files on a mac to double cross that there is not any unauthorized access or sensitive files are present.
Ways to Show Hidden Files on Mac – Manual Methods
Here, you will see various manual solutions to open hidden files on mac. Let’s get into the methods one by one in the coming section.
#1. Open Hidden Files on Mac Using Finder
Using this method, you can quickly toggles hidden files on or off for easy access. Let’s quickly get into the steps:
1. Firstly, you need to open Finder on your mac system.
2. Then, go to the Folder where you want to view your hidden files.
3. Press Command + Shift + Period (.) at the same time to show hidden files on your system.
4. Now, press the same shortcut to hide them whenever you want.
#2. Show Hidden Files on Mac Using Terminal
This is also a method to see hidden files on mac. Those who prefer going with terminal can follow these steps:
1. To start the process, you need to open Terminal from this location: Applications > Utilities.
2. To show hidden files, type:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean true; killall Finder
3. To hide them again, type the following command:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean false; killall Finder
The Library folder is hidden by default. To have access to your library folder which is hidden. See these quick steps in below parts:
- Open Finder and click Go in the menu bar.
- Hold the Option key and select Library.
So far we have discussed various methods to show hidden files on mac. Now, coming next is the automated method to delete those hidden files on mac.
#3. How to Delete Hidden Files on Mac Permanently?
Hidden files on a Mac can take a lot of storage space and have security risks. Especially if they hold sensitive or outdated data in it. Deleting them manually or moving them to the trash doesn’t ensure permanent removal of the files. To erase hidden files completely, you can use an advanced tool like SysTools Data Wipe Software to delete hidden files permanently.
Features of Using this Automated Tool
- It removes all data residue (data remanence) or classified data spills.
- Having compliance with more than 20+ global standards including NIST, ISO, DoD 5220.22-M, and more.
- Wipe all data from multiple storage devices such as HDD, SSD, SATA, PATA, NVMe, etc.
- Can vanish 1GB individual files in 40 seconds using Peter Gutmann’s complex shredder algorithm.
- Also, generate data destruction reports after the audit trail is completed.
Conclusion
We have discussed how to show hidden files on Mac using various manual methods such as Finder shortcuts or Terminal. Now, to delete those hidden files or folders from your system, then you can approach our automated tool mentioned above. Always be careful when editing or deleting them to avoid system issues and back up important data before proceedings.