home mail me! rss
home

Tip: Show all files and folders on OSX

Blogged on January 16, 2008 at 15:09

This is more of a “note to self” than a post, but it can come in handy to some of you too!

If you want to see all files and folders on your Finder (including /usr, /var, .DS_Store, etc…) run the following command in the terminal:

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles YES

Then restart the Finder (Option+Right-Click on the Finder in the dock > Relaunch) and you’re all set! To undo, simply run the same command changing the variable (YES) to NO.

The obvious downside of this is seeing… well, everything! Those annoying .DS_Store files in every folder, the multiple config files (like .bash_profile, etc…) but it can be useful especially when backing up or moving a lot of files/folders or accessing hidden files and folders on backups. :)

Hope it’s useful for anyone as it has been for me… at times! :)

Tag(s):, , ,

Comment

Comment's RSS feed. · TrackBack URI

This public comment area allows for healthy discussion with both the author and other visitors on the above post's topic.
To keep this area clean and helpful, there are a few tips you're advised to follow:

  • Please stay on-topic and be clear in your comments.
  • Avoid posting links, as your comment may be considered as spam.
  • If you intend to post links, do so but posting to your own blog and trackbacking to this one.
  • Take into consideration that someone might be offended by your comment, so please take time to think over it.

Thank you for your participation.
Consider subscribing to this blog's RSS feed.