Here’s how you can show hidden files and folders on macOS — using both Finder and Terminal:
🧭 Method 1: Using Finder
Open any Finder window.
Press the keyboard shortcut:
Command + Shift + .
Hidden files and folders (like .git, .bash_profile, .DS_Store) will now appear faded.
Press the same keys again to hide them back.
💻 Method 2: Using Terminal (Permanent Option)
If you want to always show hidden files:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE
killall Finder
To hide them again:
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE
killall Finder
🧩 Extra Tip – Hidden Folder Paths
Hidden folders often start with a dot, e.g. .ssh, .config, .git
You can open a hidden folder directly in Finder:
In Finder, press Command + Shift + G
Enter the path, for example:
~/.ssh
and press Enter.