How to Show Hidden Files & Folders on Mac (Sonoma)

Learn how to Unhide Folders on MacBook Pro/Air, Mac, iMac running any macOS Version Sonoma, Ventura, Monterey, High Sierra.

Before this time we have seen how to hide/ show hidden folders sequentially process. But from your Mac, Only show hidden folders on Mac running on macOS ventura and earlier versions. Else show hidden folder on Mavericks and Yosemite process is quite different; in those cases process has been same like two lines of code running from the terminal. But here you have to change code quietly different.  In case are you updating or resting on the current OS X version, then you must have to check your hidden folder before starting process.

Note: Are you trying to view or show files and folders using portable devices? Then this tip doesn’t work on your Mac with this command but on Windows PC, you can do it easily.

Let’s see How do I unhide folders and Files on Mac?

Method 1: Unhide Files & Folder Using Keyword Shortcut:-

  1. Go to the Folder location in Finder.
  2. Use “Shift+Command+Dot” from the keyboard. See all hidden folders and Files.
show-hidden-files-mac-shortcut-keyboard
show-hidden-files-mac-shortcut-keyboard

How to Access the Hidden ~/Library Folder on Your Mac

For Example, if you want to see Library folders, Open Finder on Mac > From top Menu > Go > Go to folder > Enter ~/Library and Hit Return to move.

library-folder-in-finder-on-mac
library-folder-in-finder-on-mac

Now, Press Shift + Command + Dot (.) to see all the hidden folder in Finder.

Method 2: How Unhide Hidden Folder Using Terminal Command

Step 1: Go to the Terminal from your Mac, by (under the Finder > Applications > Utilities)

Step 2: Copy the below command and paste it into the terminal. Then press enter.

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean true; killall Finder
show-hidden-folder-on-mac-finder
show-hidden-folder-on-mac-finder

Now, it will stay as you set while you re-open the finder window.

Note: To Re-hide the Folder Run the below command,

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean false; killall Finder
hide-folder-on-finder-mac
hide-folder-on-finder-mac

Step 3: Now under the finder, you can see all the hidden files from your whole system given in the below screen.

How to Show folder on external hard drive Mac or portable device Using Terminal

Here I am giving a suitable example to showing hidden files and folders that work on your external drive or USB drive. Under the command prompt window, type below suitable command.

chflags nohidden /Volumes/PNY\ BACKUP/Users/Thomas/Library

>> if External drive name: Mac HD Clone, Then enter below command

chflags nohidden /Volumes/Mac\ HD\ Clone/Users/diane/Library

>> if external drive name: Mavericks

chflags nohidden /Volumes/Mavericks/Users/diane/Library

You might also like: How to disable/enable dark Mode on Mac.

How do I Permanently see hidden files on Mac?

Both the methods work for Permenentely to see hidden files and folders on Mac. Open Finder on Mac, select Machintosh HD drive, and Press Shift + Command + .(dot) to View all hidden files on the Mac folder directory and Sub Directory. or Run the command in the terminal to view all the Hidden files and folders at once Permanently.

permanently-see-hidden-files-on-mac
permanently-see-hidden-files-on-mac

So, Command to view a hidden folder on Mac depends on the External Drive name or the Portable device name. that’s what you have to set manually by forwarding the space given in the above sample command. This method works for old macOS Version, BIG SUR, CATALINA, MOJAVE, HIGH SIERRA, EI CAPITAN, and YOSEMITE.

What is Apple dynamic wallpaper?

Apple Dynamic wallpaper is not live wallpaper, so we can not get an animation effect. But can change the appearance of your Desktop look with the Whole background including menubar. There are three options we can set for Dynamic wallpaper. Choose it from Light, Dark, and Dynamic. Dynamic options change automatically if we have dark mode enabled on Mac. See the difference between Light and Dark Dynamic wallpaper.

If you wish to change Background wallpaper automatically on Mac then we can do it in another way.

Where are Dynamic Wallpapers Stored on Mac?

The Downloaded Wallpaper on your Mac will be stored under the Finder’s Library folder. to find it, Follow the below steps and Delete it if you wish while not active, by right-clicking on it > move to the bin.

  • Open finder on Mac > from top menu Go > Go to Folder… (Shift + Command + G) > Enter the Below path, and Hit the return.
/System/Library/AssetsV2/com_apple_MobileAsset_DesktopPicture
where-is-dynamic-wallpapers-stored-on-mac
where-is-dynamic-wallpapers-stored-on-mac
  • The wallpaper size is up to 100 MB. Including Dynamic wallpaper.

What Time Does Apple Dynamic Wallpaper Change?

it depends on the setting you choose under the wallpaper settings explained in this tutorial. If you select “Dynamic” Option, then it will change from sunset to Sunrise time and Sunrise to sunset. like Dark Mode.

Why is my Dynamic Wallpaper Not Moving?

Here dynamic wallpaper means that we can change the appearance, look, and Feel of the whole screen. as Dark mode activates and deactivates. But it’s not like Live Wallpaper.

Why is my Dynamic Wallpaper Not Moving?

Dynamic wallpaper on Mac, will not move on the screen. But it will change the appearance from light to dark and Dark to Light.

Where can I download dynamic wallpapers?

We can not add Third-party or Extra Wallpaper for Dynamic Wallpaper on your Mac. But if the Wallpaper is not downloaded offline then the first download it, By clicking on the Cloud icon with the down arrow and Using it as Dynamic wallpaper. as Explained in this tutorial.

Dynamic Wallpaper is a more creative way to change the appearance of your Mac desktop With An screen App. Let’s share though in the below comment box.

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Karly Wood

Karly Wood is a journalist based in Ohio who specializes in covering Apple and technology trends. With a varied experience in reporting on public safety, government, and education, her insights bridge multiple disciplines, providing readers with a well-rounded perspective on today's technological advancements. If you need to contact me, you can reach me at [email protected] or through (Facebook)

2 thoughts on “How to Show Hidden Files & Folders on Mac (Sonoma)”

  1. Wow, thank you! This copy and paste command did the trick! It actually showed the files, but more importantly, closed the finder window and brought them all back to the same exact place I was before!

    Reply

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