Showing Hidden Files on a Macbook

If you are a MacBook user, you may have encountered situations where you need to access hidden files. Apple’s macOS operating system hides certain files and folders by default to prevent accidental modification or deletion by users who are not familiar with them. However, there are times when you may need to access these hidden files to troubleshoot issues or perform advanced customization. In this article, we will guide you through the process of showing hidden files on your MacBook.

Before we begin, it is important to note that modifying or deleting system files can cause serious issues if not done correctly. It is always advisable to be cautious and make sure you know what you are doing before making any changes.

There are mainly two ways to show hidden files on a MacBook. One method involves using the Terminal application, while the other method uses a third-party application called “Funter.” We will cover both methods, so you can choose the one that suits you best.

Method 1: Using Terminal

1. Open Finder, and navigate to the “Applications” folder. Then, go to Utilities and open the Terminal application.

2. In the Terminal window, type the following command and press Enter:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

3. After executing the command, you need to restart the Finder for the changes to take effect. You can do this by typing the following command and pressing Enter:
killall Finder

4. Once the Finder restarts, you should be able to see hidden files and folders in all Finder windows.

Method 2: Using Funter

1. Go to the Funter website (https://nektony.com/funter) and download the application to your MacBook.

2. After the download is complete, open the Funter.dmg file and drag the Funter application into your Applications folder.

3. Open the Funter application, and you will see two tabs: “View Hidden Files” and “Hide Files.”

4. To show hidden files, click on the “View Hidden Files” tab and then click the “Start” button. Funter will now work in the background, and you should be able to access hidden files and folders using the Finder.

Both methods allow you to access hidden files and folders on a MacBook. However, using Terminal gives you more control and does not require the installation of a third-party application. On the other hand, Funter provides a user-friendly interface and the ability to toggle between showing and hiding hidden files without using Terminal commands.

Remember, once you have finished working with the hidden files, it is a good practice to hide them again. To hide hidden files using Terminal, use the following command and restart the Finder:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles NO
killall Finder

If you are using Funter, simply switch to the “Hide Files” tab and click the “Start” button. Funter will hide hidden files, and you will no longer see them in your Finder windows.

In conclusion, accessing hidden files on a MacBook can be useful for troubleshooting and customization purposes. By following the steps mentioned in this article, you can effortlessly show and hide hidden files, depending on your needs. Just remember to exercise caution and be mindful of the files you interact with, as modifying system files can have serious consequences if done incorrectly.