Hidden files are files that don't show up in Finder by default. On Mac, any file or folder starting with a dot (.) is hidden.

They're not secret - just tucked away to keep things tidy.

Why They Exist

Hidden files are usually configuration files that:

  • You rarely need to see
  • Clutter the view if visible
  • Could cause problems if accidentally modified

Examples:

  • .zshrc - shell configuration
  • .gitignore - git ignore rules
  • .DS_Store - Finder metadata
  • .ssh/ - SSH keys and config

Show Hidden Files in Finder

Press this keyboard shortcut:

Command + Shift + .

Hidden files appear (slightly faded). Press again to hide them.

Show Hidden Files in Terminal

By default, ls hides dotfiles. Add -a to show all:

ls -a

Output:

.  ..  .zshrc  .gitignore  Documents  Downloads

The . and .. are special:

  • . = current directory
  • .. = parent directory

Common Hidden Files

File/Folder Purpose
.zshrc Shell configuration
.bash_profile Bash configuration
.ssh/ SSH keys and config
.gitconfig Git configuration
.gitignore Files git should ignore
.DS_Store Finder folder metadata
.Trash/ Your trash folder
.npm/ npm cache
.vscode/ VS Code settings

Creating Hidden Files

Just start the name with a dot:

touch .myconfig

Or in any save dialog, type the name starting with a dot.

Making Files Hidden/Visible

Hide a file (add the dot):

mv myfile .myfile

Unhide a file (remove the dot):

mv .myfile myfile

The .DS_Store Files

You'll see .DS_Store in almost every folder. It stores Finder preferences for that folder (icon positions, view settings, etc.).

They're harmless but annoying in git repos. Add to .gitignore:

.DS_Store

Hidden Folders in Your Home Directory

Your home folder has many hidden items:

ls -la ~

Common ones:

  • .ssh/ - SSH keys
  • .config/ - App configurations
  • .local/ - User-specific data
  • .cache/ - Cached data
  • .Trash/ - Deleted files

Permanently Show Hidden Files in Finder

If you always want to see hidden files:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles YES
killall Finder

To hide them again:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles NO
killall Finder

Why Some Files Should Stay Hidden

Don't randomly edit or delete hidden files. They often:

  • Configure important programs
  • Store security credentials (.ssh/)
  • Maintain application state

If you're not sure what a hidden file does, leave it alone.

Finding Hidden Files

Search for all hidden files in a directory:

ls -la | grep '^\.'

Find hidden files recursively:

find . -name ".*" -type f

Keep Learning

Understanding hidden files helps you configure your Mac properly. The free course covers file management and more.

Check it out at Mac Terminal for Humans.