How to Show Hidden Files on a Mac (and the Library Folder)
macOS hides certain files and folders to stop them from being deleted by accident. Most of the time that's exactly what you want. Sometimes, though, a tutorial or support person asks you to find a file you can't see. Here's how.
The quick way: one shortcut
1. Open a Finder window.
2. Press Shift + Command + . (full stop).
2. Press Shift + Command + . (full stop).
Hidden files and folders appear, slightly faded. Press the same shortcut again to hide them.
Files with names starting with a dot, such as .DS_Store, are normally hidden. That's why you'll see several of these appear.
⚠️ Hidden files are hidden for a reason. Look, but don't delete or move anything unless you're sure what it is.
How to open the hidden Library folder
Your user Library folder stores app settings, caches and support files. It's hidden by default. There are three ways to open it.
Option A: the Go menu
1. In Finder, click the Go menu in the menu bar.
2. Hold down Option. Library appears in the list.
3. Click it.
2. Hold down Option. Library appears in the list.
3. Click it.
Option B: Go to Folder
1. In Finder, press Shift + Command + G.
2. Type ~/Library and press Return.
2. Type ~/Library and press Return.
Option C: always show it
1. Open your Home folder (press Shift + Command + H in Finder).
2. Press Command + J to open View Options.
3. Tick Show Library Folder.
2. Press Command + J to open View Options.
3. Tick Show Library Folder.
The ~ symbol means "my home folder", so ~/Library is the Library inside your own user folder. There's also a separate /Library for the whole Mac. It's best left alone.
Go to Folder: jump anywhere instantly
Shift + Command + G is worth learning in its own right. Type any folder path to go straight there:
Type this | To open
~/Library/Application Support | App support files
~/Library/Caches | App caches
~/Library/Preferences | App settings files
/Applications | Applications folder
~/Downloads | Your Downloads
~/Library/Application Support | App support files
~/Library/Caches | App caches
~/Library/Preferences | App settings files
/Applications | Applications folder
~/Downloads | Your Downloads
As you type, Go to Folder suggests matching folders. Press Tab to autocomplete.
Bonus: copy a file's full path
Need to tell someone exactly where a file is?
• Right-click the file, hold Option, and choose Copy "filename" as Pathname.
• Or turn on View > Show Path Bar in Finder to see the folder path at the bottom of the window.
• Or turn on View > Show Path Bar in Finder to see the folder path at the bottom of the window.
Wrapping up
Remember Shift + Command + . to show hidden files and Shift + Command + G to go anywhere. They'll get you through almost any "go to this folder" instruction.
