macOS hides certain system files and folders by default, to prevent accidental changes. But sometimes, you need to see them — for example, to check logs, find app configuration files, or simply understand what’s happening on your Mac.
If you’ve searched for:
- “macOS show hidden files”
- “how to view hidden folders on Mac”
- “show hidden files in Finder”
— this quick guide is for you!
Why hidden files matter
System and hidden files (those beginning with a dot . — like .DS_Store or .bash_profile) and many Library folders are hidden because:
- They store temporary or cache data,
- They log app activity,
- They hold app and system settings.
If you want more control and understanding of your Mac, knowing how to see hidden files is a handy skill.
How to show hidden files using Terminal
-
Open Terminal
Press Command + Space, type Terminal, and hit Enter. -
Copy and paste this command into Terminal:
Terminal
- Press Enter — Finder will restart, and hidden files will become visible.
How to hide them again
Terminal
Tip: Don’t edit hidden files unless you’re sure what you’re doing.
This method works on all macOS versions (Ventura, Sonoma, and earlier).Now you can see more than the average Mac user. Use this power wisely!