On macOS, hidden folders and files start with a dot (.), like .ssh, .config, .git, etc. Here are the easiest ways to see them.
1) Show/Hide Hidden Files in Finder (Shortcut)
Open any folder in Finder and press:
Command (⌘) + Shift + .
This toggles hidden files on and off instantly.
2) Always Show Hidden Files (Using Terminal)
If you want Finder to always show hidden files:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
killall Finder
To hide them again:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool false
killall Finder
3) Open a Specific Hidden Folder Directly
In Finder:
- Click Go in the top menu
- Click Go to Folder…
- Type the path, for example:
~/.ssh
or
~/.config
Then press Enter.
4) List Hidden Files in Terminal
ls -a
or with details:
ls -la
Common Hidden Folders You Might Look For
~/.ssh – SSH keys~/.config – App configs~/.zshrc – Shell config~/.gitconfig – Git config~/.aws – AWS credentials
Fastest method:
👉 Press ⌘ + Shift + . in Finder