MacOS – Is it possible to always show hidden/dotfiles in Open/Save dialogs

macossettings

It is possible to show so-called dotfiles/directories like .git or files/directories that have the Hidden attribute in the Finder by running

defaults write com.apple.Finder AppleShowAllFiles 1

from the command line (then running killall Finder to restart it). However, this only works in Finder, not in applications' Open/Save dialogs. In those, one can use the ⌘⇧. keyboard shortcut to show these files, but you have to use it each time you open a new dialog as the settings aren't saved.

Does anyone know of any kind of way to make this setting permanent? It could involve a Terminal command, editing a .plist or other file on an application by application basis, anything. This question was asked a while ago with no satisfactory answers, so I'd like to see if there have been any changes in Mountain Lion, or if anyone knows an answer that just missed the first question. I'm currently running 10.8.4, if it makes any difference.

Best Answer

Just adding the key to the global domain seems to work:

defaults write -g AppleShowAllFiles -bool true

You have to quit and reopen applications to apply changes as usual.

You have several options:

Make the ~/Library directory permanently visible in Finder and add it to your favorites in the sidebar. Then you can simply click on it in the Open/Save dialog. To make the Library folder visible, type the following commands in the Terminal.
```
 chflags nohidden ~/Library
```
You can navigate in a bash-like manner with tab completion. In the Open/Save dialog invoke Go to Folder... using:

⌘+⇧+G.
You can show hidden files in the Open/Save dialog. This way you can navigate to your Library via a parent directory which is in your sidebar. To toggle hidden files press:

⌘+⇧+.

MacOS – Always show hidden in Open/Save dialogs

I just asked this question again, since there were no real answers here, and according to this answer all you need to do is run

defaults write -g AppleShowAllFiles -bool true

and restart whichever application(s) you're using, and you're all set. No restarting Finder or your computer. Brilliant!

Best Answer

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MacOS – Accessing ~/Library in Open/Save dialogs

You have several options:

MacOS – Always show hidden in Open/Save dialogs

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