Show Hidden Files and Folders in macOS

To show hidden files and folders in macOS, open any Finder window, navigate to your desired folder, and press Command () + Shift + Period ( ) simultaneously. Hidden files will appear as translucent, grayed-out icons. Use the same shortcut to hide them again.

• Keyboard Shortcut (Fastest):
  In Finder, press Cmd + Shift + . (period). This acts as a toggle to show and hide files.

• Terminal Command:
  If the shortcut does not work, you can use the Terminal to force hidden files to appear:

  1. Open Terminal (via Applications > Utilities or Spotlight Search).

  2. Type or paste the following command and press Enter:
     defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean true; killall Finder.

  3. To hide them again, use the same command but change true to false. 

       

      

  4. Important Notes

     • Hidden files are usually hidden for a reason—often because they are system or configuration files. Exercise caution when deleting or modifying them.

     • The . (period) shortcut works in all Finder views, including Open/Save dialog boxes.