Replacing a file inside a hidden folder via terminal

Solution 1:

1. The console way:

If you want to move/copy from .directory to the Desktop:

mv /path/to/.directory/filename ~/Desktop
cp /path/to/.directory/filename ~/Desktop

Alternatively, if you want to move/copy from the Desktop into .directory:

mv ~/Desktop/filename /path/to/.directory
cp ~/Desktop/filename /path/to/.directory

The difference between mv and cp is:

mv will move a file (the file at origin gets destroyed).

cp will copy a file (you get to keep the file at origin).

2. The GUI way:

Open your file manager and activate Show hidden files (Ctrl+H on PcManFM and many others). You can then navigate any hidden directories and drag and drop your file to its intended destination.