How to set Finder to show all files in search including hidden and Library files?

When I unistall an application I want to check for all remaining files on computer. Searching them with Finder doesn't show any protected file, for instance from Library, and also hidden files are never included in search. Can this be controlled or changed?

Solution 1:

You can add the System files and File visibility attributes to the filter bar:

Files that start with a period are still excluded though.

This makes Finder show hidden files:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true

mdfind includes system files by default, but it doesn't include hidden files unless you specify kMDItemFSInvisible=1.

mdfind 'kMDItemFSName=.bash_profile&&(kMDItemFSInvisible=1||kMDItemFSInvisible=0)'

Solution 2:

The simplest way is using TinkerTool

Solution 3:

Alternatively use the free ShowAllFiles app which adds an icon to the bar at the top of the screen. Clicking the icon will toggle hidden files and optionally relaunch Finder to auto refresh.

showallfiles.com

Disclosure: I made this app.