How can I view hidden files?

Ninjab3ar · Jun 27, 2007

I just wanted to know if there was any way in OS X to view hidden files. I know I can do it in Onyx, but I wanted to know if there was a way to do it on OS X without any additional software.

RiDE · Jun 27, 2007

To show the Hidden files using the terminal type (better yet.. copy/paste) the following:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool YES;killall Finder

Then to HIDE the "Hidden Files" Type (again, might want to just copy/paste) the following in the Terminal:

defaults delete com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles;killall Finder

Ninjab3ar · Jun 27, 2007

RIDE said:
To show the Hidden files using the terminal type (better yet.. copy/paste) the following:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool YES;killall Finder

Then to HIDE the "Hidden Files" Type (again, might want to just copy/paste) the following in the Terminal:

defaults delete com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles;killall Finder

I noticed that that string has "killall Finder" in it. I guess that will refresh Finder. Will that close any applications I have running?

RiDE · Jun 27, 2007

Ninjab3ar said:
I noticed that that string has "killall Finder" in it. I guess that will refresh Finder. Will that close any applications I have running?

Nope... It won't close any apps....

If it were me though, and I had some work on an app that was very important that I not lose... I would certainly save it. ;D you know.... just in case.

Ninjab3ar · Jun 27, 2007

RIDE said:
Nope... It won't close any apps....

If it were me though, and I had some work on an app that was very important that I not lose... I would certainly save it. ;D you know.... just in case.

Oh, its not that, its that I'm 4 days into downloading a 12 gig torrent, and I don't want to risk losing connection to al the seeders I'm connected to.

Ninjab3ar · Jun 27, 2007

I have one more queston: Why do all the filles show up "pale" when I try to show hidden files? I though only the hidden files would look like that.

RiDE · Jun 27, 2007

Yeah... I thought the same thing... All mine show up pale as well.

Ninjab3ar · Jun 27, 2007

RIDE said:
Yeah... I thought the same thing... All mine show up pale as well.

Thanks for all you help, though!!!

centered effect · Jul 5, 2007

Is there a Gui way of showing the hidden files? Windows has thier way and Linux has another way too.. I would assume OSX has a Gui/menu to show hidden files...