How to show hidden files and folders in Finder?

Solution 1:

I don't think you can set this for individual folders. To set it globally, so that Finder always shows hidden files, run Terminal and enter the following two commands:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles true
killall Finder

To switch back, do the same but substitute false for true.

This works all the way through macOS Catalina (and betas for Big Sur).

Solution 2:

In the Finder, press CommandShift. to show hidden files & folders.

Solution 3:

I myself use hiddenfiles widget. it's so easy to use.

Beside that you can use free 3rd-party software like Deeper or TinkerTool.

Solution 4:

You can customize Finder through Terminal commands such that it defaults to show/hide hidden files.

To show hidden files and restart Finder:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES; killall Finder /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app

To hide hidden files and restart Finder:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles NO; killall Finder /System/Library/CoreServices/Finder.app

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