Hidden files include system configuration and credentials in Library folders. Delete nothing you do not understand — viewing is fine; random deletion breaks apps and macOS components.
What you will achieve
Reveal hidden files and folders in Finder — dotfiles, ~/Library, /usr paths — using the keyboard shortcut or a persistent Terminal setting, then hide them again when finished troubleshooting.
1) Temporary reveal (keyboard shortcut)
- Open Finder.
- Navigate to the folder where you need hidden files (e.g. your home folder).
- Press Command+Shift+. (period) to toggle hidden files visible.
- Press the same shortcut again to hide them.
This toggle is per-Finder-window session and resets when you close the window — safest for quick peeks.
2) Persistent show hidden files
In Terminal:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
killall FinderFinder restarts and shows hidden files everywhere until you reverse it:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool false
killall FinderOn macOS Ventura and later, Apple renamed the key internally but AppleShowAllFiles still works for most users. Alternative:
defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES3) Go to folder directly
When you know the path, skip toggling visibility:
- Finder → Go → Go to Folder… (Command+Shift+G).
- Enter
~/Library/Preferencesor another path. - Press Return.
Go to Folder opens hidden paths without changing global visibility — preferred for support scripts that reference exact locations.
4) What you will see
Filenames starting with a dot (.ssh, .zshrc) and folders like Library, private, and system caches. Dimmed icons in some macOS versions indicate hidden status.
5) Apple Silicon vs Intel
Paths and shortcuts are identical. Apple Silicon home folders lack /usr/local/intel cruft from old Homebrew on Intel — but ~/Library structure is the same. Rosetta does not affect Finder visibility.
6) Troubleshooting use cases
- Remove stuck app preferences after quit.
- Verify
.ssh/configfor Git or server access. - Inspect
~/Library/Application Support/for bloated app data before excluding from Time Machine.
7) Hide again when done
Command+Shift+. or reset the defaults write — leaving all files visible increases accidental edits. Teach family members on shared Macs to toggle off after admin tasks.
Verify
Hidden dotfiles appear in Finder when toggled on; disappear when toggled off; Go to Folder reaches ~/Library regardless.