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MacOS: Show/Hide Hidden Files & Folders

Mitch BartlettMarch 3, 2017 Comments (2)

Need to know how to show or hide the hidden files and folders in MacOS. Here’s how it’s done.

  1. From the Finder, open “Go” > “Utilities” > “Terminal“.
  2. Type one of the following command, then press “Enter“:
    • To show hidden files: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles yes
    • To hide hidden files: defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles no
  3. Type the following command, then press “Enter“:
    • killall finder
Categories: macOS

Author Mitch Bartlett

Through my career that spans over 20 years I have become an expert in Microsoft Systems Administration, Android, and macOS. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful knowledgebase for everyone.

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Comments

  1. ktan says:
    October 18, 2022 at 8:23 am

    try Finder with a capital F for the 3rd step. As in “killall Finder”

  2. Oscar Rodas says:
    August 13, 2022 at 8:11 pm

    It doesn’t work for me.
    For some reson hidden files are showing, I tried both commands to no effect.

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My name is Mitch Bartlett. I've been working in technology for over 20 years in a wide range of tech jobs from Tech Support to Software Testing. I started this site as a technical guide for myself and it has grown into what I hope is a useful reference for all.

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Last Updated on March 3, 2017 by Mitch Bartlett