Like any OS, macOS keeps significant files hidden to stay them from being accidentally erased and, accordingly, from system damage. Be that because it may, now and again, you’ll get to show hidden files on your Mac, as an example, to research the Library folder and clear old logs, caches, or other junk files. macOS enables the users to see most of the files in their respective Mac machines. However, one can’t access all the files via Finder as some are kept hidden to prevent inadvertent changes. “How to view hidden files on Mac?” We will be going to discuss the best way to access those hidden files and folders in Mac.
Operating systems typically have some form of file-hiding functionality and hence, so does the macOS. Many files or folders on Mac are hidden all across its file system, so as to prevent curious users from accidentally deleting an important folder or altering a critical file resulting in major problems to macOS.
Nowadays, modern Mac OS offers a super-fast and straightforward approach to view hidden files on a Mac, all you’ve got to utilize maybe a keyboard shortcut. With an easy keystroke, you’ll quickly show hidden files on a Mac, and with another strike of an identical keyboard shortcut, you’ll instantly hide the hidden files again also this is often by an extended shot and therefore the quickest way possible to point out and conceal invisible files on a Mac.
To use the hidden files keyboard shortcut, your Mac OS system required a higher operating version which includes macOS Mojave, High Sierra, and anything beyond 10.12 should support the invisible files switch keyboard shortcut. If you are totally unfamiliar with the process to view hidden files on Mac, don’t worry, we have mentioned below a few steps to show hidden files on mac easily. Have a look!
Where To Check Mac Library Folder?
Image Source- OS X Daily
Prior to the release of Mac OS X Lion’s back in 2011, within the event that you simply needed to urge to the Library folder, you’ll simply open your Home folder and consider the Library folder there. That folder is so far situated in Home, however, it’s presently hidden.
In case you checked your Mac HD folder, you might have noticed a Library folder. But that’s not the folder in the discussion. There are actually three “Library” folders on the Mac.
The Library folder you’ll see contains openly accessible files that can be accessed by users yet just variable by administrators. At that time there’s the ~/Library folder that’s situated within the Home folder. The third Library folder is situated in System and contains all the documents and files that MacOS must run.
Now, spot the difference between the below three Library folders.
Image Source- Mac World
Image Source- Apple Insider
You can use the hidden files keyboard shortcut method to see hidden files on Mac. Below are the steps:
All the hidden files often marked as setfiles, chflags command, or by placing a. period as a name prefix, etc and they become instantly visible by pressing the keyboard shortcut keys.
Image Source- Apple Insider
This is the old method to view hidden files on Mac and was used in the older versions like Sierra, however, this will also work for the higher versions of macOS as well.
We have mentioned the above three methods to view hidden files on Mac and we suggest users to choose the best method to show invisible files on Mac. Mostly, show all hidden files on a mac are necessary and the users can follow any of the steps that have mentioned above to view hidden files.
Must Read:
Quick Comparison – Disk Clean Pro Vs. OnyX
Best Mac Antivirus Protection Software 2021
Top 10 Mac Temperature Monitors
Top Ten Duplicate File Finders For Mac
10 Best Duplicate Photo Finder & Remover For Mac 2021
Best Fastest Browsers For macOS in 2021 (Updated)
10 Best File Shredder For Mac in 2021
How to Format a Drive on a Mac
How To Empty The Trash On Your Mac & Securely Delete The Files