Show hidden files in Finder
Build a paste-ready command, then review its compatibility and effects before running it.
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true && killall FinderCompatibility
macOSVerified for macOS using zsh, bash syntax.
Operational knowledgereview due 2027-01-19
Requirementsdefaultsdefaults must be installed and available on PATH.
Version supportdefaults Current supported releasesVerified for macos using zsh, bash syntax; consult compatibility notes for platform-specific differences.
Expected signals(no terminal output on success)Representative successful output; values vary with the selected target and system state.
Known errorsdefaults: command not founddefaults is missing or is not available on PATH.
Verifydefaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true && killall FinderRe-run the corresponding read-only inspection and confirm the intended state.Rollback noteNo universal automatic rollback is available. Capture the current state and use the tool-specific recovery procedure before applying changes.
Command breakdown
01defaultsCommandRuns the defaults stage of this one-liner.
02writeArgumentPasses write to defaults.
03com.apple.finderArgumentPasses com.apple.finder to defaults.
04AppleShowAllFilesArgumentPasses AppleShowAllFiles to defaults.
05-boolOptionConfigures defaults with the -bool option.
06trueArgumentPasses true to defaults.
07&&Conditional operatorRuns the next command only when the previous command succeeds.
08killallCommandRuns the killall stage of this one-liner.
09FinderArgumentPasses Finder to killall.
Example input
defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true && killall Finder
Example output
(no terminal output on success)
Finder restarts and hidden files become visible.
Illustrative output — exact values vary by system and data.
Runbooks
Official sources