How to show and hide hidden files and folders in macOS

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Issue:

By default macOS hides important system files and folders to prevent users from accidentally deleting or changing them.  Most of the time you will want to keep these files and folders hidden, however there might be certain circumstances were you need to view or change these hidden files. For example if your computer becomes infected with Malware.

Resolution:

You can use the following Terminal commands to show hidden files or folders:

  • Open Terminal, which can be found in ApplicationsUtilities
  • Enter the following syntax exactly (use copy and paste if in doubt about syntax accuracy)
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
  • Press Enter
  • Now enter the following syntax
killall Finder
  • Press Enter

You can use the following Terminal commands to hide hidden files or folders:

  • Open Terminal, which can be found in ApplicationsUtilities
  • Enter the following syntax exactly (use copy and paste if in doubt about syntax accuracy)
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE
  • Press Enter
  • Now enter the following syntax
killall Finder
  • Press Enter

 

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