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OS X Tip #117
One of the nice things about OS X is that the Finder does not show you the ugliness below the nice Aqua interface. OS X hides files and directories that begin with a “dot.” You rarely need to get to these system files and editing them can sometimes be dangerous. What if you need to see these “hidden” files and directories. You can download and install some shareware that can show these files and directories. But actually a short trip to Terminal app is all you really need.
Here’s how:
Launch the Terminal application located in Applications -> Utilities -> Terminal.
OK, you are in UNIX-land now. Do not be afraid this is easy. At the command prompt, usually looks like “$” sign (if your Terminal is running a BASH shell). Type the first line command (copy and paste if you want from below). Hit Enter (Return Key).
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles ON
Type the second line command (copy and paste if you want from below). Hit Enter (Return Key).
killall Finder
The Finder will now show all the hidden files and directories.
When you are finished, I suppose you will want to reverse this and hide this stuff again. You can just hit the up arrow until you see the “defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles ON” command and change the “ON” to “OFF” by deleting and typing O-F-F or copy paste from below. Hit Enter (Return Key).
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles OFF
Now, hit the up arrow until you see the “killall Finder” or copy paste from below. Hit Enter (Return Key).
killall Finder
This will turn off showing the “hidden” files and directories.
Note: editing hidden files can break things, so always make a backup of the file first. In the Finder, right-click on the file and select Duplicate.
