OS X: Show hidden files and folders in Mac OS X Finder

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From the computer of: incursor (7 recipes)
Created: Feb 14, 2008


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I received a request to show how to show hidden files and folders in the Mac OS X finder. Using this terminal command, any OS X user can unhide all hidden files and folders. This will make them visible when browsing through Finder.

First, open Terminal.

Type this command, then press enter:

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES


To allow the files to be shown, you must restart Finder. You can do this by holding the Option key, click and hold the Finder icon. When the context menu shows, select Relaunch.

Finder will now restart.

Now all hidden files are showing!

To hide files again, type:

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles NO


In the terminal instead, and restart Finder.

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