How to Show Hidden (System) Files and Folders on Mac

Zach Zach (248)
2 minutes

This guide shows you how to show hidden system files (e.g. .htaccess) in Finder by default.

If you're using Transmit as an FTP/SFTP client, you may want to check out our guide on how to show hidden Transmit files as this guide pertains to system files accessible by Finder.

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Navigate to Applications > Utilities > Terminal.

Paste the below command into Terminal and press Enter:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE

Then, paste the below command into Terminal and press Enter:

killall Finder

Paste the below command into Terminal and press Enter:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles FALSE

Then, paste the below command into Terminal and press Enter:

killall Finder

If your file extensions aren't visible, you can adjust settings to always show file extensions in MacOS.

Zach Zach (248)
2 minutes

Transmit, by Panic, is my MacOS SFTP/SFTP client of choice. By default, Transmit hides hidden/invisible/system files.