This article shows you how to make hidden files and folders visible on Mac using the Finder app and how to change the attributes of these items using the "Terminal" window. If you don't have a hidden folder to test with, you can create your own by checking out this article.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Make Hidden Files and Folders Visible
Step 1. Open a Finder window
Click the blue stylized face icon visible within the Dock.
Step 2. Enter the Go menu
It is located at the top left of the screen within the menu bar. A small drop-down menu will appear.
Step 3. Choose the Computer option
It is visible in the middle of the drop-down menu Go.
Step 4. Double click on the system hard drive icon
It is characterized as a thumbnail of a gray hard drive.
In most cases the indicated drive is named "Macintosh HD"
Step 5. Press the key combination ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Command +
. This will make all hidden files and folders visible on the selected hard drive visible. These elements will have a slightly opaque and transparent appearance, indicating their special nature.
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The key combination shown works within any Finder window.
Normally the root directory of the system hard drive always contains hidden folders, so by choosing this path you will be able to better understand the differences in graphical appearance between normal and hidden elements.
Step 6. Press the key combination ⇧ Shift + ⌘ Command + again
This way all hidden elements will no longer be visible.
Method 2 of 2: Remove the "Invisible" Attribute from a File or Folder
Step 1. Open a "Terminal" window
Access the Spotlight search field by clicking the icon
type in the keyword terminal, then select the "Terminal" app icon
as soon as it appears in the results list.
Step 2. Type the command
chflags nohidden
inside the "Terminal" window.
Make sure you respect the syntax by leaving blank space after the parameter
nohidden
Step 3. Drag the file or folder of your interest into the "Terminal" window
In this way the complete path of the selected element will be automatically reported at the end of the "chflags nohidden" command.
Step 4. Press the Enter key
The command entered will be executed and the indicated element will no longer have the "Invisible" attribute active.
Step 5. Select the element in question with a double click of the mouse
At this point the chosen folder or file will open normally.
