show hidden files

Under OSX System files always start with a dot (“.”) and they are invisible to the User by default.

If you’re developing using Eclipse this could be a problem, because Eclipse in many cases uses files and folders starting with dot (“.”),

some examples are:

• .metadata
• .bundle_pool
• …

Show hidden Files using Tinker Tool

Now it would be great to make them visible. there are some tools available to do this, I’m using Tinker Tool

its free 🙂

• http://www.bresink.com/osx/TinkerTool-de.html (german)
• http://www.bresink.com/osx/0TinkerTool/history.html (english)

One of the options from Tinker Tool:

• Finder Options
  • Show hidden and System files

Restart the Finder and you’ll see all hidden and system files.

Show/Hide hidden Files using Terminal

Open Terminal Application and type

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean true;killall Finder

This will show hidden files. To make them hidden again, please type:

defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -boolean false;killall Finder