Hidden Files : Connecting with certain macOS files can create your Mac computer, so Apple has made it harder to find. But if you are confident in your abilities, here is how to get them safely.
Your computer has backgrounds, libraries, and files that help keep the operating system running smoothly. If you were to delete or move any of these files, something could be seriously wrong. That’s why we do not recommend playing with them unless you know what you are doing.
File Explorer
Windows users can find these files in File Explorer, where it is easy to make changes and errors. To prevent Mac users from doing the same, Apple hides most of these files automatically in macOS. That means you don’t have to worry about ruining your computer, but it only makes things worse when you need access.
You can view these hidden files on Mac using Finder or with your Mac Terminal app. Just remember that there are a number of reasons to pollute these files — like moving program directories or troubleshooting drivers — and if you are looking to clear the hard drive space, there are other ways to accomplish that.
View Hidden Files in Finder
In Finder, you can click your hard drive under the fields, then open your Macintosh HD folder. Press Command + Shift +. (period) to make hidden files appear. You can do the same within Docs, Applications, and desktop folders.
Anything your computer does not want you to crawl on will be gray, but you can still peer inside. When you are done, press Command + Shift +. (period) to make folders invisible again. This will ensure that you do not change anything by mistake in the future.
You can also quickly access the ~ / Library folder from the top Finder menu. Click Go to see all the access shortcuts to different folders within your hard drive. However, if you hold the Selection key, there will be a new Library option with no visible shortcuts. Click the library to view the contents of the ~ / Library folder.
View Hidden Files in Terms
One way to do this is to use the macOS Terminal program, which provides text-based access to a computer program. Find Airport under Launchpad> Other> Airport, and run the following instructions:
Type default type com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles true and press Enter
Type killall Finder and press Enter
Once both lines of code have started, you should see your hidden files in Finder and any temporary files stored on the desktop. If you want to hide these files again, return the true value of the file, which may look like this:
Automatically type com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles lies and press Enter
Type killall Finder and press Enter
This method may seem more useful than going through Finder, but Terminal can also help you to hide individual files and folders on your computer. This can be very helpful if you have password-protected files or just want to prevent anyone using your Mac from being corrupted by something that is not yet hidden. Open the Terminal and type the following:
hidden chflags [Press Space]
Drag the file you wish to hide in the terminal window to indicate its path
Press Enter to hide the file from viewing
Yes, anyone can access these files using the methods listed above, so this is not a real file encryption or any other legal security measures.
