We get it, you might be over the moon when it comes to that new MacBook you’ve just bought after finally deciding to give up on Windows-based laptops. The advantages of devices that run on Apple’s macOS are undeniable, although there’s a two-edged sword if you look closely. Windows laptops also have some benefits over Macbooks, but let’s not start a “macOS vs. Windows” debate this time!
Many of those who first use a MacBook have trouble when it comes to finding some of the hidden files that the macOS is apparently hiding. Different file types on MacBooks are, by default, hidden by Apple for good reasons. If you hold a grudge against the Cupertino-based giant, you should definitely know that Apple is doing so for preventing any dangerous deletions that the user might inflict on those hidden files.
The good news, on the other hand, is that Apple has revealed a few ways of uncovering those files that are hidden by default on MacBooks. You can even use those methods to uncover the Library folder as well. There are basically two major ways to “crack the code:” using the command-line terminal app or opting for the Finder file manager app. Let’s dive into detail!
Using the terminal to locate the hidden files in macOS
Let’s talk about the command line method first. It may seem intimidating at first if you’ve never had anything to do with it, but the whole process can actually be very easy once you get used to it.
Open the Mac Terminal app and enter the following code:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles true
killall Finder
That’s all. If you’re not satisfied with the outcome, you can reverse the process by entering the following lines of code:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles false
killall Finder
That’s pretty much all you need to know when it comes to revealing or hiding the hidden files from the macOS by using the command-line terminal app.
Using the Finder app to locate the hidden files from macOS
This method is usually easier than the one described above. To use the Finder app in order to find the hidden macOS files, you have to start by opening the app itself. The next step is to locate and select the ‘Macintosh HD’ drive, which is located on the left-hand side. In other words, you will find that specific drive under the ‘Locations’ section. The next thing you need to do is to use the ‘Command + Shift + ‘ shortcut. By doing so, you’ll reveal all of the hidden Mac system files greyed out. They’ll also be listed in the Finder app.
Surely you might not be satisfied with the result here as well. That’s why you’ll simply have to repeat the same shortcut to reverse the process. In this way, the same files will become hidden from view once again.
How about a file manager?
If you’re not a fan of the two methods described above for revealing hidden files from macOS, you must also keep in mind that the alternative of using third-party file managers is also there. This third option can be even a lot easier than the other two.
You can use ForkLift, for instance, and this is how the “magic” can happen:
- Install the ForkLift app and run it.
- Click the “View” option. You’ll find it right away somewhere in the top menu, so there’s no need to worry!
- Hit the “Show hidden files” option.
- Congrats! Enjoy!
Did you have any struggles while trying to reveal the hidden files from your macOS-based MacBook? Which one of the methods do you find the best and why? Feel free to share your own experience with the world in the comment section!
Tim M. Hill helped bring Digital-Overload from a weekly newsletter to a full-fledged news site by creating a new website and branding. He continues to assist in keeping the site responsive and well organized for the readers. As a writer to Digital-Overload, Tim mainly covers mobile news and gadgets.
