Mac computers have become increasingly popular over the years, thanks to their sleek design and user-friendly interface. However, as with any operating system, there are certain features that are not immediately visible or accessible to the user. One of these features is the ability to view hidden folders on a Mac. In this article, we will go through the steps needed to show hidden folders on a Mac computer.
What are Hidden Folders?
Hidden folders are folders that are not visible in the Finder window by default. These folders are usually system-related or contain files that are not meant to be accessed by the user. One example of a hidden folder is the Library folder, which contains important system files and user-specific data.
Why Show Hidden Folders?
There are several reasons why you might want to show hidden folders on your Mac. One reason is that you may need to access files that are stored in a hidden folder. For example, if you need to troubleshoot a software issue or delete a cache file, you may have to access the Library folder, which is a hidden folder by default.
Another reason why you may want to show hidden folders is that you may want to customize your Mac’s system settings. For example, if you want to change your Mac’s desktop background or customize the Dock, you may need to access hidden folders to make these changes.
How to Show Hidden Folders on Mac
Now that you understand why you might want to show hidden folders on your Mac, let’s go through the steps needed to do so.
Method 1: Use the Terminal
The Terminal is a powerful tool that allows you to access and manipulate the underlying system files on your Mac. Here’s how to use the Terminal to show hidden folders:
- Open the Terminal app by either searching for it in Spotlight or navigating to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.
- Type the following command:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES - Press Enter.
- Type the following command:
killall Finder - Press Enter.
After following these steps, hidden folders should now be visible in the Finder window. To hide the folders again, simply repeat the steps above, but change the terminal command in step 2 to defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles NO.
Method 2: Use a Third-Party App
If you don’t feel comfortable using the Terminal or if you want a more user-friendly method of showing hidden folders, you can use a third-party app like Funter. Here’s how:
- Download and install Funter from the developer’s website.
- Launch Funter.
- Click on the Funter icon in the menu bar.
- Select “Show Hidden Files” from the drop-down menu.
After following these steps, hidden folders should now be visible in the Finder window. To hide the folders again, simply repeat the steps above, but select “Hide Hidden Files” in step 4.
Conclusion
Showing hidden folders on a Mac may seem like a daunting task, but it’s actually quite simple once you know how to do it. By following the steps outlined above, you can access important system files and customize your Mac’s settings to your liking. Whether you choose to use the Terminal or a third-party app like Funter, the ability to show hidden folders is a useful tool for any Mac user to have.